Biography of the Philosopher: Charles Darwin - Essay Example

no. Charles Darwin Biography of the philosopher Charles Darwin, the son of Waring Robert and Sussannah, grandson to a scientist Darwin and potter Josiah Wedgwood was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. With the demise of his mother at the tender age of eight, Darwin was brought up by his sister. In his early years, Darwin attended school where he learnt Classics at the Shrewsbury School of Grammar (Holder, 2). Later on, he went to Edinburgh where he studied medicine, a course that did not please Darwin. Later he was sent to Christs College, in Cambridge, to learn theology (Darwin, 37). It was at this time that he gained interest in plants, animals, insects and geological samples under the guidance of his cousin William Darwin who was an entomologist. In the mid 1830s, Darwin had made scientific inventions under the motivation by his then professor of Botany, Stevens Henslow (Darwin, 42). Henslow is also instrumental in enrolling Darwin in surveying mission of HMS Beagle to Patagonia (Ruse, 4). From this expedition, Darwin has a set base for his future operations in zoological and geological unearthing. At this time Darwin had developed relations with Sir Lyell Charles, which earned him the secretary place of the Geological Society (Burkhardt, Pearn& Evans, xiv). By 1839, Darwin had married Emma Wedgwood. Ruse indicates that at this time Darwin was gaining experience from the Downe where he lived (5). He committed his life to science, though he succumbed to Chagass disease for a long time. It was at this time that he uncovered the issue of the origin of species and what came to be known as natural selection in the Darwinian Theory. In the late 1850s Darwin was able to compile his pieces to his famous book, The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Critics of the book were witnessed, though Darwin kept publishing more works. After a long period of illness, Darwin passed on leaving eight kids. He is greatly remembered for his contribution in evolution theories though he was the first to apply the thoughts of plants and animals descent. He indeed contributed greatly in the field of Science. Darwin’s ideas Darwin has been indicated to be the proponent of numerous ideologies in his lifetime (Aydon, 22). His ideas range from evolution of humankind to racism. In relation to evolution Darwin argues that through the struggle for existence living beings have continued to exist throughout the years. Additionally, Darwin talks about the body and the mind, in relation to evolution. The human mind determines the evolution of humankind; thus, the racism existence thoughts. Cultural evolution, in that case, lie in the human mind not the body. Darwin is also remembered for his thoughts on Protestantism and the church. Human Evolution and Philosophy Since the publishing of the work of The Origin of Species in 1859 by Darwin, a lot of questions have been asked regarding this theory. This has been in the quest to understand human behaviour and the frameworks that have been applied in an understanding of human behaviour. Philosophy helps in an understanding of the existence of human beings and the reality behind discovery of varying aspects. Through philosophy, the nature of truth and knowledge on the evolution of human beings has been possible to comprehend. Philosophy helps in establishing the nature of relationships between persons and the society they live in. in relation to human evolution, philosophy aids in bringing the need to inquire and analyse the speculations, interpretations, analysis and criticism of human evolution. Through philosophy, it is possible to clarify what we believe regarding evolution. This is because humans are stimulated to think of the inquiries that would ensue from evolution aspect. Ruse indicates that, Darwin portrays that human beings have for a very long time been on the move to devise survival tactics (173). Their great effort to survive has nevertheless been subjected to various constraints. This, in relation to philosophy can be indicated to be the reason behind evolution of humans and their unrelenting struggle for existence. The weak species, according to Darwin slowly became wiped out (Ruse, 129). The population also changed with time in terms of species isolation. Evolution fashioned species that could not interbreed, and with time this became an exceptional species. We can easily clarify what we accept as true through questioning the propositions made by Darwin through philosophy. Questions that may result from evolution, such as the existence of extinct species are possible to counter through philosophy. Through a philosophical study of Darwin’s thoughts we can reveal the concepts behind Darwin’s thoughts on evolution. A discussion on human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint is possible through Philosophy. In the investigation conducted by Ruse, an analysis of the descent of mankind can be analyzed in relation to the facts brought forward by Darwin (55). Darwin argues that in the course of evolution the species has been changing through time. This brief explanation can only be understood philosophically. For instance one can understand the relationship between culture and biology. Ruse indicates that through Philosophy, it is possible to understand the evolution of humans (174). Philosophy has a great impact on the lives of humans. This means that through Philosophy, it is possible to have clarifications of concepts that are seemingly tasking to understand or even make assumptions. In relation to human evolution starting a philosophical inquiry on the struggle for life, we can prove facts to our own satisfaction. For instance a philosophical analysis of the struggle of life and the survival of the best or the fittest species explains the reasons behind the fading or the extinction of the weak species. This is for the reason that Philosophy allows individuals hold certain views regarding what are most imperative and factual. In this context, evolution of life and humans can be discussed on a philosophical perspective. Individual intelligence is the basis of Philosophy. Through this intelligence, human beings have been able to establish what is real and what is not. In relation to human evolution, one would argue that human life is true. Nevertheless, philosophically, evolution can be termed as an endeavor to seek human survival. Through Philosophy, the behaviours depicted by various beings can be analyzed logically. If no dogma is prevalent in the conclusions made, then the arguments on human life and evolution may be to some extent misleading. Human evolution or rather life in general can be indicated to start by chance, and through evolution survival of human life has taken place. Life has been controlled by forces in the environment (Holder, 141). It is therefore valid to argue that human evolution has been revolutionized by humankind thanks to Philosophy. Humankind has transformed evolution in that the conditions in the environment that are likely to cause death are controlled. This means that the factors that cause death are weeded out. Thus, evolution is still a continuous process in the environment. Species are also going through relapse due to the form of evolution experienced today. This can be linked to the numerous diseases that the species are succumbing to; thus, the life of humans is slowly being eroded by the natural process of death. This is to mean that if all the barriers that bar positive development of the ecosystem are eliminated or changed, chances are that further improvement of the species will be attained. The existing will therefore be dynamic, with constant upgrading in the environment. Conclusively, the mechanisms behind human evolution can be discussed on a philosophical thought and background. Charles Darwin has indeed one of the most remembered personalities in history. His works and compilations on Natural Selection in isolation have been of benefit to the understanding of the concept of human evolution. Works cited Aydon, Cyril. A Brief Guide to Charles Darwin, His Life and Times. New York: Running Press, 2008. Print. Burkhardt, Pearn, A. & Evans, Samantha. Evolution: Selected Letters of Charles Darwin 1860-1870. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Print. Darwin, Charles. The Autobiography of Charles Darwin. New York: Bibliolis Books, 2010. Print. Holder, Charles. Charles Darwin His Life and Work. New York: Kessinger Publishing, 2004. Print. Ruse, Michael. The Philosophy of Human Evolution. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012. Print. Read More