Charles Darwin
(1809 – 1882)
English naturalist, geologist and biologist. He is best known for his theory of evolution, which is considered to be one of the most important contributions to science. The theory holds that all species of life have evolved from a common ancestor, which is generally accepted and considered a fundamental concept of science. It importantly influenced countless fields of study, from biology to anthropology, and contributed to the development of evolutionary biology.
Darwin’s most important contribution to science is his scientific literary work The Origin of Species (1859). In it, he introduces the scientific theory that populations evolve over generations through the process of natural selection. There are two major components in Darwin’s theory of evolution:
— (1) the theory of evolution by common descent: states that organisms have evolved from a common ancestor. Each species arose in a particular geographic location, from another species that preceded it in time.
The theory is supported by evidence from fossil records, dating of fossils, distribution patterns of existing species, comparison of homologous structures, etc.
— (2) the theory of natural selection: holds that natural selection is the creative force of evolution. The theory recognizes that not all individuals in a population are the same and that there are variations. It also proposes that organisms produce more offspring than can survive, while those who survive to reproduce are better fitted for their environment.
In the way of reproduction through natural selection, favourable traits for a particular environment will accumulate, while unfavourable traits will decline.
The theory is supported by evidence from microevolution such as cases of artificial selection or natural selection within population or species (the famous example of changing colours of moth butterflies for example).
Darwin has been called the patron saint of materialism, as his theory discards of the idea of God and related matters of spirit and religion in finding a teleological purpose to life on earth. This can be seen in the foundational premises of his theory:
— Purposeless : it is not required to postulate a higher purpose that has pre-determined the role of each individual organism to contribute to the harmony of the world. Rather, the apparent harmony of the world is actually the result of an underlying struggle of individuals to survive and reproduce.
— Philosophical materialism: Darwin advocates for a materialist account of life, whereby matter is recognized as the main reality of existence, with mental and spiritual phenomena explained in terms of matter, or its by-products. In Darwin’s view, human mind is the natural outcome of the selective pressures of a large and complex brain.
— No inherent progress: According to Darwin, evolution is not inherently progressive and life does not move from lower to higher states. Natural selection only adapts organisms to their local environment.