This document discusses Charles Darwin and how he fits into different categories of scientific heroes. While Darwin exhibits traits of the cautious scientist, the well-connected brilliant scientist, and the nature-obsessed scientist, he is unique in that he encompasses aspects of all three categories. The document also examines the social implications of Darwin's theory of evolution, which conflicted with religious beliefs of his time. His theory continues to be controversial today in debates around teaching evolution in public schools.

1. Maria Rojas
April 16, 2012
The Heroic Narrative in Science: Darwin
Catherine Milne’s essay “Philosophically Correct Science Stories? Examining the
Implications of Heroic Science Stories for School Science” presents three different kinds of
heroic scientists: 1) the cautious and deprecating scientist, 2) the well-connected brilliant
scientist, and 3) the “acolyte of nature” scientist. Although the scientists we have discussed thus
far tend to fit perfectly well into one of these categories, Charles Darwin is an exception. Instead
of fitting into one category, Darwin fits into all, but it depends on what sources or versions are
being used.
For example, as seen in the drama entitled Darwin’s Darkest Hour, Charles Darwin
seems to be very cautious when presenting his work. As the scientific hero type one, Darwin is
not sure whether or not to publish his work on the theory of evolution and natural selection. On
one hand, he knows that there are social implications to his work that are incompatible with the
orthodox religious values of his day. To protect his family from public aggression or attacks, he
delays the publishing of his work. On the other hand, however, if he delays too long or does not
publish at all, there is the possibility of having someone else publish similar work, devaluating
his own brilliant theory. In other words, all the work he has done throughout his life would be
virtually useless. In here, the second part of being scientific hero type one does not fit well with
Darwin. He is not deprecating of his achievements, but rather knows how significant it is.
Furthermore, Darwin also seems to fit well into the second category of scientific hero.
Under this category, the scientist is brilliant, well connected, attended the “rights institution,”

2. and is a “central member of the science culture” (Milne, pg. 185). From the biographical
presentation, we know that Darwin comes from wealthy parents and had a famous grandfather.
Yet, it is in Mr. Darwin’s Shooter that we can truly see how Darwin’s background helped him
achieve his accomplishments. Through the comparison of Syms Covington to Charles Darwin,
the outcome of Darwin’s success almost seems inevitable. In a world were social-class means
everything; Covington had limited possibilities back in Britain. Darwin, on the other hand, had a
father supporting him, had several people working for him (therefore having more time to
develop his ideas), and had connections in the scientific world. Hence, it is no surprise that a
wealthy and brilliant scientist (Darwin) ends up publishing the outstanding work of On the
Origins of Species.
Lastly, the third type of scientist—the acolyte of nature—can also reflect Charles
Darwin’s work on the theory of evolution and natural selection. In Darwin’s Shooter, Darwin is
presented as a solitary and focused scientist, with a mind in his own little world. Although he is
working with Covington, Darwin seems distant and cold. Yet, at the same time however, he has a
passion for observing nature, loves examining fossils, collecting specimens, and takes numerous
notes down. As we can see in Chapter 5 of The Voyage of the Beagle, Darwin is enthusiastic
about every observation he sees throughout the voyage. While doing so, he speculates on ideas
that eventually lead him to his theory of evolution. After all, what could all these observations
mean?
Hence, once we combined all these three types of scientific heroes into one, we get
Charles Darwin. He is a unique scientist that incorporates several aspects of different scientific
heroes, and in return influences public perception on what a scientist is. He embodies the aloof,
cautious, wealthy, and brilliant scientist, who is always working with nature meticulously. When

3. combined, these three types of scientific heroes reinforce the popular image that a scientist is far
apart from the “real” world, and to a certain degree, it is more difficult to attain his status. A
scientist must to be brilliant and well connected, as both “who you know” and “what you know”
play a role in the scientist’s success. Furthermore, a scientist must love his work, that it almost
seems like it is a full-time hobby. To be specific, a naturalist is probably outdoors most of the
time and continues to get exited every time he notices a new observation. Lastly, a scientist
should (although it is not always the case) be aware of the implications of their science. They
must be cautious with the interpretation of their work and have enough evidence to support it.
Social Implications of Evolution
As presented in Mr. Darwin’s Shooter and Darwin’s Darkest Hour, Darwin was aware of
the social implications his theory of evolution would elicit in society. Because it went against the
notion of creationism, his theory of evolution and natural selection were in direct conflict with
prevalent social attitudes and values held during his time period. Yet, this conflict between
religion and evolution has continued until today. In America, it is continuously brought up,
especially when concerning public education. Because our Constitution’s explicit separation of
church and state, public schools are prohibited from having religious-based education, but
teachers are permitted to teach evolution. This in return outrageous some parents and religious
population, who have strong values that go against evolution. Hence, public policy and court
actions continue to be debated to this day, and will continue in the future.

4. Works Cited
Darwin, Charles. The Voyage of the Beagle. Literature.org, 1997. Web. 16 Apr. 2012.
Darwin’s Darkest Hour. Dir. John Bradshaw. Perf. Henry Ian Cusick and Frances O’Connor.
NOVA, 2009. Film.
McDonald, Roger. Mr. Darwin’s Shooter. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 1998. Print.
Milne, Catherine. “Philosophically Correct Science Stories? Examining the Implications of
Heroic Science Stories for School Science.” Journal of Research in Science Teaching
35.2 (1998): 175-187. Web. 27 Feb 2010.