Growing Up in the Universe
Oxford professor Richard Dawkins presents a series of lectures on life, the universe, and our place in it. With brilliance and clarity, Dawkins unravels an educational gem that will mesmerize young and old alike. Illuminating demonstrations, wildlife, virtual reality, and special guests (including Douglas Adams) all combine to make this collection a timeless classic. The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures for Children were founded by Michael Faraday in 1825, with himself as the inaugural lecturer. The 1991 lecturer was Richard Dawkins whose five one-hour lectures, originally televised by the BBC, are now available for the first time on DVD, courtesy of RDF.
- 1991-1991
- 1 season
- The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science
- Documentary
Oxford professor Richard Dawkins presents a series of lectures on life, the universe, and our place in it. With brilliance and clarity, Dawkins unravels an educational gem that will mesmerize young and old alike. Illuminating demonstrations, wildlife, virtual reality, and special guests (including Douglas Adams) all combine to make this collection a timeless classic. The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures for Children were founded by Michael Faraday in 1825, with himself as the inaugural lecturer. The 1991 lecturer was Richard Dawkins whose five one-hour lectures, originally televised by the BBC, are now available for the first time on DVD, courtesy of RDF.
Season 1 Episode Guide
5 Episodes 1991
Episode 1
Waking Up in the Universe
58 mins
What natural conditions are necessary to become an ancestor and how all human stories and beliefs are extremely recent compared to biological ancestry of all living creatures.
Episode 2
Designed and Designoid Objects
58 mins
How natural shapes, creatures and man-made things seem so similar that it is easy to mistake natural laws and circumstances that shape the first two for supernatural force or divine intelligence. Computer simulations are used in analysis.
Episode 3
Climbing Mount Improbable
58 mins
How gradual evolution can be mistaken for intelligent design with evolution of eye and creation of camera as an example. Also, two computer programs try to simulate creativity, and experiment explains how bugs evolved chemical defense.
Episode 4
The Ultraviolet Garden
55 mins
How exponential growth of life creates an illusion that there is a purpose behind it. As an example, Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, reads a passage from his book about the Ameglian Major Cow.
Episode 5
The Genesis of Purpose
58 mins
How evolution of the human brain created the false need for purpose. Computer simulation of virtual reality is used in analysis.