Politics as Biology — Biology as Politics

OWNING EVOLUTION tells the story of the evolution of evolution as the core philosophy of biology. The series is a non-technical approach to the history of biology told through interviews and writings of scientists, historians, and journalists active in and devoted to sharing life's secrets.

In the beginning was natural selection…

Part One – Gem mules starts with Charles Darwin and his discovery of "descent with modification" in the lineages of animals and plants. The hour-long show continues with Darwin's disciples as they explore his theory of "natural selection," seeking proof of his concept in the mechanisms of heredity. The program is a humanistic natural history; the narrative gives due weight to the social context and personal qualities of the key scientists who with vigor and imagination refashioned biology in the 19th century.

Stream Part One – Gem mules

Subsequent shows, Parts Two through Eight, detail the growth and partition of biology into many disciplines which interacted to further our knowledge of life. A pattern emerges, new findings continually influence, and are influenced by, contemporary culture.

Part One – Gem mulesView Part One on vimeo.com/ joetgray/ owningevolution. How Charles Darwin (pictured) arrived at his theory of “natural selection” told by Janet Browne, Edward Larson and Michael Ruse. Jan Sapp and James Schwartz tell us who followed Darwin as microscopy begins to provide clues to life’s intricacy.

Part Two – MutationsGarland Allen, Elof Carlson (pictured), Robin Marantz Henig, and Jon Marks describe the rediscovery of Gregor Mendel and his “laws” of heredity. Thomas Hunt Morgan’s team proves genes reside on chromosomes. Herman Muller finds that x-rays are mutagenic and campaigns against overuse.

Part Three – Shifting BalanceEnglishman R. A. Fisher (pictured) and American Sewall Wright apply statistics to breeding records uniting Darwin and Mendel theories. Maclyn McCarty describes Oswald Avery and their attempt to isolate the “the transforming principle.”

Part Four – What is Life?Erwin Schrodinger’s book, What Is Life? hones in on the molecule as the seat of all life. Robert Olby (pictured), Susan Lindee, and Victor McElheny sort out its impact on Francis Crick and Jim Watson and the problematic it set before biology.

Part Five – Dogma of DNAMajor discoveries in the 1970's change the complexion of biology. Paul Berg (pictured) describes recombinant DNA invention and the concerns it raised. Victor McElheny and Nicholas Wade talk about the Asilomar meeting and the attempt by scientists at self-governance and the controversy that ensued.

Part Six – Recombinant RodeoRebecca Eisenberg (pictured) explains the lengthy, legal effort to patent engineered life. Sheldon Krimsky recalls the rigamarole of regulating the splicing of DNA from one organism to another. Art Caplan describes “the sociology debate” as its protagonists, Edward O. Wilson and Richard C. Lewontin, lay out their contrasting views on the gene.

Part Seven – Games of FitnessEdward Wilson (pictured) explains how ideology is a “Darwinian device.” Ullica Segerstrale comments on Wilson’s strong advocacy of genes for behavior; Art Caplan, on how sociobiology became “the dominant way we think about ourselves today;” Sheldon Krimsky, on why regs on rDNA disappeared. Professor Eisenberg notes that the lower court exhorted the Supreme Court to favor patents on altered life forms.

SCOTUS building with protest sign overlaid, "Free Our Genes"

Part Eight – Law v. LifeA generation later, the essence of biology is again before the Supreme Court. Law professor and reproductive-rights attorney Lori B. Andrews narrates the run up to the high court’s deliberations on patenting human genes. Protesters march outside the Supreme Court building. Robert Cook-Degan identifies the stakes involved in the SCOUS decision. Afterward, the question remains:
Who will own evolution?

About the Writer/Director

The project's writer and director, Joseph Terrence Gray, is a documentary filmmaker of 40 years experience. A graduate of Yale, Joe is a combat veteran of Vietnam. He has two adult children and three grandsons.

About the Project

This chronicle is a work-in-progress (as is its subject matter). Your interest and aid will be appreciated. Help culture a new kind of interest in the history of life on earth. Thank you.

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