Christ’s will mark 350 years since its best-known literary alumnus John Milton died with a sell-out event on Friday 8 November 2024 that pits the poet and radical thinker against the College’s other famous alumnus - scientist, Charles Darwin.
The debate will pay tribute to former Christ’s Fellow C. P. Snow’s concept of ‘the two cultures’. In an influential lecture in 1959, Snow discussed the divide between ‘science’ and ‘the arts’, arguing that dialogue between the two is essential for the benefit of society.
The speakers are Colin Burrow, professor of Renaissance literature at All Soul's College, Oxford and literary critic for the London Review of Books; Orlando Reade, author of the forthcoming book What in Me Is Dark: The Revolutionary Life of Paradise Lost; Ruth Padel, award-winning poet and great-great-grand-daughter of Darwin and David Norman, palaeontologist and professor of natural sciences. The debate is chaired by Dr Sophie Read.
Organiser and Junior Research Fellow in English, Dr Katie Mennis said:
“We’re very excited to host such outstanding figures in literature and science for this celebratory clash of Milton vs. Darwin - in honour of this anniversary, I’m sure Milton will come out on top!”
Milton officially joined Christ’s College at the age of 16 in February 1625. By the time he left Cambridge seven years later, he had already published verses in Latin and English but is best known as the author of the epic poem Paradise Lost. Milton died on 8 November 1674.
While the event is currently fully booked, if you wish to attend please check eventbrite for returns. A recording of the debate will be available shortly afterwards.
UPDATE: A recording of the debate is now online.