Science has changed over the past century

Last Updated 5/12/2025


Has science changed in the past century?

Certainly, knowledge has increased and there have been discoveries and inventions that affect our daily lives. But what do we know about science, and how we interact with all that science means?

Dr. Neal Doran, professor of biology at Bryan College, will address the topic of “Science at the Scopes Trial—and Since” as part of the Evolving Conflict: Scopes at 100 program on July 17 at the Rhea County Courthouse.

Dr. Doran said that, unlike caricatures of some of the Scopes Trial participants, Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan held many scientific beliefs in common, beliefs shared by many of their fellow countrymen. But over the past 100 years, how has that shared knowledge changed, and how will contemporary viewpoints be evaluated years from now?

Science, he said, should inspire gratitude—and humility—as we consider our cultural and political viewpoints.

Evolving Conflict: Scopes at 100 is presented by Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation as part of the Scopes Centennial celebration on July 16 and 17 at the historic Rhea County Courthouse. More information and tickets are available at scopes100.com/events.

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