1077: Why Is The Scopes Trial Still Relevant 100 Years Later? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 21, 2025 · 18 MIN

1077: Why Is The Scopes Trial Still Relevant 100 Years Later?

from Science Friday · host Science Friday

In July 1925, the Scopes “Monkey” Trial captivated the nation. On its face, the case was relatively straightforward: A Tennessee biology teacher named John Scopes was accused of teaching human evolution to his students. At the time, that was against state law. Both sides enlisted the help of big name lawyers to represent them, and the case turned into a national spectacle. But, why has the legacy of the case persisted? And what can it help us understand about our current moment?Host Ira Flatow talks with Brenda Wineapple, author of Keeping the Faith: God, Democracy, and the Trial that Riveted a Nation. Read an excerpt of the book at sciencefriday.com.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 21, 2025

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A century after a teacher went on trial for teaching evolution, the role of science in the classroom and in society remains in contention.

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1077: Why Is The Scopes Trial Still Relevant 100 Years Later?

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