The theory of evolution developed by (among others) Charles Darwin in 'The Origin Of Species' (first published 1859).

The theory states (put very simply) that the organisms living today are the result of a design process, evolution, where life forms compete for resources in order to survive and procreate and, in the end, ensure the survival of the genes, a concept first conceived by Gregor Mendel. The competition ensures that only the best (fittest) designs survive, and the process can as such be referred to as natural selection.

There has been much controversy about this idea that challenges the traditional view that mankind is created by a God, but Darwinism has become one of the basic building blocks of modern science, and even Charles Darwin himself was hesitant about publishing his work.

Darwinism has also been misused and misunderstood and used as justification for elitism, racism, the state as an organism and thus providing an incentive for aggression and incorporation of neighbouring states (e.g. Germany during the early 20th century).

Traditional Darwinism has often focused on the individual or group as the unit of selection. Modern Darwinism, neodarwinism has mainly focused on the gene as the unit of selection, mainly through the work of Richard Dawkins (The Selfish Gene, 2nd ed. 1989), and John Maynard Smith and many others.

Daniel Dennett's book, Darwin's Dangerous Idea discusses the consequence of the theory on our beliefs and world view and provides a theory of design space.

Darwin never claimed credit for "survival of the fittest" as a theory. He borrowed that phrase from Herbet Spencer {who he credited with it... cited it nicely, too}

Darwin's theories showcase the work of many previous scientists and philosophers. {Such as Aristotle} He cites them in his work, 2. He's good at that.

Also... Origin of Species {Actually... Published in 1861. Footnote in my copy. It was a paper delivered at a conference in 1859} didn't really have a lot to say about what we think of as evolution. His book, Descent of Man, has all the stuff that the creationists hate. Like the man/ape link. {Oh yeah.. he says nothing about us evolving from apes/monkeys.. just that we share a common ancestor}

Dar"win*ism (?), n. Biol.

The theory or doctrines put forth by Darwin. See above.

Huxley.

 

© Webster 1913.