The course will integrate historical, philosophical, and contemporary concerns about the scope and limits of scientific thinking with an emphasis on the 17th century Newtonian and the 19th century Darwinian scientific revolutions and their consequences for current social concerns. How and why has scientific thinking come to such prominence in our culture, and why are the arts now held in less esteem? How are scientific ways of thinking similar to the creative and imaginative approaches of the arts, and in what way is biology specifically about the art of life? The historical part of the course (Unit I) will show how the 19th century Darwinian revolution completes the scientific revolution begun by the physicists in the 17th century and how materialism has become the dominant philosophy of our time. After establishing the historical background, relevant biological concepts will be presented (Unit II). Finally, we will turn to various social problems arising from the revolution in biology and in particular to problems with biotechnologies and bioengineering, including stem cell research, cloning, and reproductive technologies (Unit III). Time permitting, current ecological and environmental issues will be covered (Unit IV). Relevant films will be shown, especially in the last half of the course.