Darwinism

Definition

Darwinism is the theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, which posits that species evolve over time through the process of natural selection. This concept not only transformed scientific thinking about life and its development but also significantly influenced cultural movements, particularly realism and naturalism, by promoting a more empirical and observational approach to understanding human behavior and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Darwin's seminal work, 'On the Origin of Species,' published in 1859, laid the foundation for evolutionary biology and sparked widespread debate about the implications of evolution.
2. Darwinism challenged traditional beliefs about creation and humanity's place in the world, leading to a reevaluation of moral and philosophical concepts in society.
3. The principles of Darwinism were not only applied to biology but also influenced literature and art, as writers and artists sought to represent human experiences through a lens of observation and realism.
4. Naturalism in literature emerged as an extension of Darwinian thought, emphasizing deterministic factors such as heredity and environment in shaping human behavior and destiny.
5. Critics of Darwinism raised concerns about its potential misuse, particularly in justifying social inequalities and promoting ideologies like social Darwinism, which misapplied the theory to societal contexts.

Review Questions

• How did Darwinism influence the development of realism in art and literature during the 19th century?
  • Darwinism influenced realism by encouraging artists and writers to adopt a more observational approach to life. This meant depicting characters and situations based on the complexities of real life rather than idealized versions. By focusing on how environment and biology impact human behavior, realist works began to reflect themes related to struggle, survival, and societal conditions—mirroring concepts found in Darwin’s theories about evolution.
• Analyze the impact of Darwinism on philosophical thought and how it challenged existing moral frameworks during the 19th century.
  • Darwinism profoundly impacted philosophical thought by challenging traditional views on creation and humanity's unique status. It introduced a scientific basis for understanding life that conflicted with religious explanations, prompting thinkers to reconsider ethical frameworks based on a more empirical understanding of human existence. This shift led to debates about morality, purpose, and the role of humans within the natural world, ultimately reshaping philosophical discourse.
• Evaluate the criticisms of Darwinism in relation to its application in social contexts, particularly concerning social Darwinism.
  • Criticisms of Darwinism often focus on its misapplication in social contexts, especially through social Darwinism, which took evolutionary concepts and wrongly applied them to justify social hierarchies and inequalities. Critics argue that this interpretation overlooks the nuances of Darwin's theories regarding natural selection by promoting a harmful ideology that equates survival with moral superiority. This misuse led to ethical dilemmas regarding social policy and attitudes towards marginalized groups, raising important discussions about the responsibilities tied to scientific theories.

Related terms

Natural Selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to the gradual evolution of species.

Survival of the Fittest: A phrase often associated with Darwinian evolution, suggesting that individuals or groups that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Realism:

An artistic and literary movement that aimed to depict everyday life and society without romanticism or idealization, often reflecting the influence of scientific thought like Darwinism.