The Fireside Room at Bakersfield College was packed yet again Nov. 4 as the panel discussion on “Darwinism and Social Thought” began.

The panel discussion marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and was second in the series “Darwinism: Darwin’s Legacy in the Modern World.” The discussion continued from the previous panel discussion, “Darwinism, Faith, and Morality” on Oct. 13 and focused on the ways Darwinism has influenced modern social thought, according to Jack Hernandez of the Norman Leven Center for the Humanities.

Anthropology and behavioral science professor Karen Kettner started off the discussion by giving an overview of Darwinism and common misconceptions surrounding it, arguing that Darwinism has had a profound effect on the way we perceive culture.

“I feel [the discussion] was successful in terms of attendance,” said Kettner. “I think we covered a lot of territory in terms of definitely illustrating how Darwin has permeated so many different areas.”

Kettner added that the questions during the question and answer part were absolutely thought-provoking, especially professor Natalie Burstyn’s question regarding what happens when humans advance technologically enough to fight natural selection.

BC student Juan Perez, 19, undeclared, liked that the panel stated their opinions.

“I really like that because in class they usually just go by the book,” Perez said. “But in here all three gave their own opinions.”

He also liked Kettner’s power point presentation because “you were able to see what she was talking about.”

BC economics professor Michael Harvath spoke about the effect of Darwinism on modern economics. He addressed the question, “How would we think about the economy differently if Darwin had never existed?” Harvath argued that the way we view economics would not be largely affected and that people had already understood the economy the way we do today through observing human nature before Darwin published “The Origin of Species.”

“Darwin was too late,” said Harvath. “What’s much more useful is to observe people.”

Speaking last was BC political science professor Edward Borgen who approached the subject from a political perspective and argued the opposite view that Social Darwinism has had a major impact on society.

“More than we can probably possibly imagine,” he said.

Borgens explained that Social Darwinists believe that “we should let the natural order of things take place,” and that is not necessarily a good thing.

“I thought [the discussion] went well especially in combination with the first one,” said Harvath. “I like that Ed, who was following me, in some ways went in the very opposite way that I was going.”

Dru Denio, 18, undeclared, said she liked the opposition.

“I liked that it was controversial. It wasn’t candy-coated like what we learned in high school.”

Denio’s favorite speaker was Borgen who teaches her political science class.

“He doesn’t talk too fast, and he really gets the point across.”

Borgen was another favorite for Elizabeth Nava, 18, history major.

“I love the examples he uses. He does this in class too; you can really apply them to your life.”

Denio, Perez and Nava all said they would definitely recommend this experience to other people.

“Come on, you’re in college now. Let’s open our minds and experience different things,” Nava said.