This chapter develops a subtle model that integrates environmental and internal factors. It describes the phylogenetic distribution of multicellular organisms in general and complex multicellular life in particular, clarifying the important distinction between the two. This chapter shows that the long apparent lag between the appearance of simple multicellularity in eukaryotes and the radiation of groups with complex multicellular organization has an environmental component that can be associated back to the consequences of life with interior and exterior cells. It suggests (...) that the evolutionary transition from unicells to complex multicellular organisms has several steps. (shrink)

Starting from a political controversy and a wide-ranging media-discussion, the article examines the evolution of German national holidays from the "Kaiserreich" to the reunited Federal Republic. The author lists the dates and attributes of the national festivities and asks to what extent national days can contribute to a collective identification with the given state and its political system. In the process of change one identifies a long run from emotional festivity towards a rather rational attitude in celebrating the National Day. (...) The future of the current German national holiday in the frame of a 'democratic culture' is far away from being settled. (shrink)

In the near future three anniversaries are to be celebrated: Hans-Joachim Schoeps, German-Jewish scholar and full Professor of Religious and Intellectual History, would have been 100 years old in January 2009. Jointly together with Ernst Benz, full Professor of Theology at the University of Marburg, Hans-Joachim Schoeps launched the Journal of religious and intellectual history, which is now entering its 60th volume. Also, the Scientific Association for religious and intellectual history, which was as well founded by Hans-Joachim Schoeps, is going (...) to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The article depicts biographical data and scholarly highlights of Schoeps, and combines them with a view to the development of ZRGG and GGG. (shrink)