ARTICLE: The Varieties of Darwinism: Explanation, Logic, and Worldview

In The Quarterly Review of Biology:

The Varieties of Darwinism: Explanation, Logic, and Worldview

Hugh Desmond, André Ariew, Philippe Huneman, and Thomas Reydon

Abstract Ever since its inception, the theory of evolution has been reified into an “-ism”: Darwinism. Although biologists today, by and large, do not use the term “Darwinism” in their research, it still enjoys currency in broader academic and societal contexts. “Darwinian approaches” proliferate across the sciences and humanities and, in public discourse, various so-called “Darwinian views on life” are perceived to have ethically and politically laden consequences. What exactly is Darwinism, and how precisely are its nonscientific uses related to the scientific theory of evolution? Some claim the term’s meaning should be limited to scientific content, yet others call for its abolition altogether. In this paper, we propose a unified account of these varieties of Darwinism. We show how the theories introduced by Darwin have grounded a “logic” or style of reasoning about phenomena, as well as various ethically and politically charged “worldviews.” The full meaning of Darwinism, as well as how this meaning has changed over time, can only be understood through the complex interaction between these dimensions.

2 thoughts on “ARTICLE: The Varieties of Darwinism: Explanation, Logic, and Worldview

  1. In the post, click the title of the article in blue, which is a link to the article’s journal page. Do you have access to a journal database through an academic library?

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