Why Did It Take So Long to Understand Evolution By Natural Selection?

In this conversation, host Neil deGrasse Tyson and guest Richard Dawkins reflect on philosopher Daniel Dennett’s view that Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is the greatest idea ever conceived. They explore why this insight took so long to arise in human history, despite centuries of philosophical reasoning. Dawkins points to cultural and intellectual obstacles—like Platonic essentialism and the assumption of perfection in nature—as key reasons for the delay, arguing that even philosophers, without field data, could have arrived at the theory earlier. From 'Neil deGrasse Tyson and Richard Dawkins Discuss Science, Religion & Evolution':    • Neil deGrasse Tyson and Richard Dawkins Di...   Get the StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon:   / startalkradio   FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter:   / startalkradio   Facebook:   / startalk   Instagram:   / startalk   TikTok:   / neildegrassetyson