Darwin

Charles Darwin (12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882)

By creger

  • The

    The
    Prior to Charles Darwin, biology wasn’t frequently discussed in the philosophy of science. Transformational or linear evolution was accepted among the scientific community and biology did not yet have its place in philosophy. Darwin was pushed by his father to be a doctor but didn’t find the subject interesting and didn’t have the stomach for surgery. Shortly after leaving medical school he was invited to join Robert FitzRoy on the HMS Beagle to chart the coastline of South America.

  • Theory

    Theory
    For five years, Darwin observed and documented animals and geography in places like the Galapagos Islands and Patagonia. Darwin’s observations on the HMS Beagle journey spawned his ideas of evolution. He continued to make many contribution to the fields of biology and studied geology and paleontology but didn’t get around to writing his book “The Origin of Species” until 20 years later when Alfred Russel Wallace wrote to him about natural selection and catapulted his writing efforts.

  • of

    of
    When his book was published in 1959, it sent a shockwave through the scientific community. Darwin suggested that evolution is molded by genetic properties passed down as a result of natural selection. This idea of survival of the fittest proposed that animals w/ genetic alterations allowing them to outlive their competition, reproduce the most and thus pass on their superior genetic attributes, leading to the evolution of species.

  • Evolution

    Evolution
    Darwin took his theory a step further to say that different species evolved from a common origin. This particularly stirred up controversy with the religious community. These ideas are now the foundation of the philosophy of biology and continue to be the source of scientific and philosophical debate today. It would be difficult to argue that anyone else has had more of an impact on the philosophy of biology than Charles Darwin.

  • Theory of Evolution Video

    Theory of Evolution Video
    Enjoy this short video from Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOk_0mUT_JU

  • The Origin of Species

    The Origin of Species
    Darwin, Charles. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or The Preservation of Favoured Races in the Sruggle for Life. London: J. Murray, 1860. Print.

  • The Descent of Man

    The Descent of Man
    Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. New ed. / with illustrations. London: J. Murrary, 1901. Print.

  • The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals

    The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals
    Darwin, Charles. The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. London: John Murray, 1872. Print.

  • The Power of Movement in Plants

    The Power of Movement in Plants
    Darwin, Charles. The Power of Movement in Plants. London: John Murray, 1880. Print.

  • The Formation of Vegetable Mould, Through the Action of Worms

    The Formation of Vegetable Mould, Through the Action of Worms
    Darwin, Charles. The Formation of Vegetable Mould, Through the Action of Worms with Observations on Their Habits: Seventh Thousand (corr.). London: J. Murray, 1882. Print.