Last updated on: 12/9/2013 | Author: ProCon.org

Charles Darwin, MA Biography

Title:
British naturalist and originator of the theory of evolution
Position:
Pro to the question "Should Animals Be Used for Scientific or Commercial Testing?"
Reasoning:

“I have all my life been a strong advocate for humanity to animals, and have done what I could in my writings to enforce this duty… On the other hand, I know that physiology cannot possibly progress except by means of experiments on living animals, and I feel the deepest conviction that he who retards the progress of physiology commits a crime against mankind.”

“Mr. Darwin on Vivisection,” darwin-online.org.uk, Apr. 14, 1881
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
Experts
Individuals with PhDs, MDs, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to animal testing issues. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to animal testing issues.
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Naturalist, geologist, biologist
  • Theory of evolution presented to the Linnaean Society (UK), July 1, 1858 (Darwin not present)
  • Secretary, Geological Society (UK), 1838-1841
  • Expedition on survey ship HMS Beagle, Dec. 27, 1831-Oct. 2, 1836
  • Field trip to North Wales, Aug. 1831
Education:
  • MA, Christ’s College, University of Cambridge (UK), 1836
  • BA, Christ’s College, University of Cambridge (UK), 1831
  • Attended Edinburgh University (UK), 1825-1827
  • Attended Shrewsbury Grammar School (UK), 1818-1825
Other:
  • Full name is Charles Robert Darwin
  • Died Apr. 19, 1882 in London, England; buried in Westminster Abbey
  • Recipient, Honorary LLD, Cambridge University, 1877
  • Recipient, Copley Medal, Royal Society of London, Nov. 1864
  • Had 10 children
  • Married his cousin Emma Wedgwood, Jan. 29, 1839
  • Born Feb. 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England
Quoted in:
Pro & Con Quotes: Should Animals Be Used for Scientific or Commercial Testing?