Darwinism

Definition

Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, emphasizing the process of natural selection as the mechanism through which species evolve over time. This concept fundamentally challenged traditional views of creation and human existence, encouraging a scientific approach to understanding life and its diversity. It highlights the interconnectedness of life forms and has influenced various fields, including literature, where it shaped perspectives on humanity's place in the natural world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Darwin's seminal work, 'On the Origin of Species,' published in 1859, presented evidence for evolution through natural selection and sparked significant debate across various fields.
2. The acceptance of Darwinism led to conflicts with religious beliefs regarding creation, influencing the discourse around science and faith during the Victorian era.
3. Darwinism inspired writers and poets of the Victorian period, as they grappled with themes of nature, humanity, and existence in their works.
4. In literature, Darwinism often manifested in explorations of character development and social dynamics, reflecting the survival struggles present in nature.
5. The concept of evolution introduced a new lens through which society viewed human behavior and social structures, leading to discussions about ethics, morality, and progress.

Review Questions

• How did Darwinism challenge existing views of creation and humanity's place in the world during its emergence?
  • Darwinism challenged existing views by proposing that species evolved through natural selection rather than being created as fixed entities. This idea directly conflicted with religious beliefs about creation, prompting significant debate about the origins of life. As a result, Darwinism encouraged a shift toward a more scientific understanding of life and humanity's role within it, influencing various fields including literature and philosophy.
• Discuss how Darwinism influenced Victorian poetry in terms of themes and character development.
  • Darwinism had a profound influence on Victorian poetry by introducing themes related to nature, survival, and evolution. Poets began to explore the complexities of human existence against the backdrop of natural selection and survival struggles. This led to richer character development that mirrored the challenges faced by individuals in a changing world, revealing deeper insights into human motivations and social dynamics as they adapted to their environments.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Darwinism on societal views regarding ethics and progress during the 19th century.
  • The emergence of Darwinism had significant implications for societal views on ethics and progress in the 19th century. It prompted discussions about human behavior being influenced by evolutionary processes rather than solely by moral or religious frameworks. This shift encouraged debates about social structures, individual responsibility, and notions of progress, leading to a reevaluation of how society understood concepts like morality and justice in light of biological determinism.

Related terms

Natural Selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to evolutionary changes over time.

Survival of the Fittest: A phrase that originated from Darwinian theory, indicating that only those individuals best suited to their environments will survive and reproduce.

Evolution: The gradual development of organisms over time through changes in heritable traits, leading to the diversity of life observed today.