The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, Part 1


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(4.2 stars; 27 reviews)

A book on evolutionary theory by English naturalist Charles Darwin, first published in 1871. It was Darwin's second great book on evolutionary theory, following his 1859 work, On The Origin of Species. In The Descent of Man, Darwin applies evolutionary theory to human evolution, and details his theory of sexual selection. The book discusses many related issues, including evolutionary psychology, evolutionary ethics, differences between human races, differences between sexes, the superiority of men to women, and the relevance of the evolutionary theory to society.(Summary by Wikipedia)

NOTE - In this audio version , many of Darwin's references to his sources have been omitted. People wishing to follow-up the references will find them all given in the text version. (10 hr 16 min)

Chapters

Preface & Introduction 16:17 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
I Evidence of the Descent of Man from some Lower Form pt.1 29:20 Read by Availle
I Evidence of the Descent of Man from some Lower Form pt.2 33:01 Read by Availle
II On Manner of Development of Man from some Lower Form pt.1 21:56 Read by Mary Ballard-Johansson
II On Manner of Development of Man from some Lower Form pt.2 23:53 Read by Rory Lawton
II On Manner of Development of Man from some Lower Form pt.3 27:48 Read by Rory Lawton
II On Manner of Development of Man from some Lower Form pt.4 29:39 Read by Michael Reuss
III Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and Lower Animals pt.1 29:49 Read by J. M. Smallheer
III Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and Lower Animals pt.2 36:07 Read by Bill Mosley
III Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and Lower Animals pt.3 30:38 Read by Carrie Heyes
IV Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and Lower Animals cont. pt.1 29:55 Read by Annise
IV Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and Lower Animals cont. pt.2 27:15 Read by Rory Lawton
IV Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and Lower Animals cont. pt.3 26:38 Read by Rory Lawton
V On Development of Intellectual & Moral Faculties pt.1 30:52 Read by Availle
V On Development of Intellectual & Moral Faculties pt.2 29:20 Read by Availle
VI On Affinities & Genealogy of Man pt.1 29:21 Read by Lynda Sizemore
VI On Affinities & Genealogy of Man pt.2 33:11 Read by Michael Reuss
VII On the Races of Man pt.1 24:54 Read by Mary Ballard-Johansson
VII On the Races of Man pt.2 30:20 Read by Kristine Bekere
VII On the Races of Man pt.3 42:27 Read by Bill Mosley
VII On the Races of Man pt.4 34:10 Read by Joseph Lawler

Reviews


(3 stars)

Great readings all around! As for the book itself, lthough very important and groundbreaking for its time, from a modern scientific perspective it of cousre leaves a lot to be desired. Many of the conclusions feel highly racist, sexist and classist to us today.


(4 stars)

The readings were fine. The text didn't age well, boss.