Darwin's Dilemma: Science in the Public Forum

• Published in: Journal of technical writing and communication Vol. 38; no. 1; pp. 53 - 73
• Main Authors: Johnson-Sheehan, Richard, Morgan, Lawrence
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-01-2008; Baywood; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Communication. Information transfer; Creationism; Evolution; Exact sciences and technology; Information and communication sciences; Information science. Documentation; Library and information science. General aspects; Metaphor; Sciences and techniques of general use; Writing; Technical communication; Information theory
• ISSN: 0047-2816; 1541-3780
• DOI: 10.2190/TW.38.1.d

This article explores the basis of the public debate between Darwinian evolution and creationism. Using dramatic analysis, we show that the source for the debate is due to what we call “Darwin's Dilemma,” which is found in Darwin's Origin of Species. In the Origin, Darwin extends the mechanistic metaphor featured in Enlightenment science by devising the concept of “natural selection.” In the process, however, he also ascribes a motive to nature, which moves his theory outside the boundaries of Enlightenment science. We show that he is aware of this dilemma in his theory, and that he tries to pass it off as a metaphorical maneuver for the sake of brevity. Darwin's inability to resolve this dilemma, however, opens the door for purveyors of creationism and intelligent design. Indeed, much of the debate today over Darwinian evolution still pivots on our inability to come to terms with Darwin's dilemma.