Charles Darwins Ideas and Theories - Essay Example

no. Charles Darwin Biography of the philosopher Charles Darwin the famous scientist was the son of Waring Robert and Sussannah, and he was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He was deprived of the basic leaning which is ususally given to a child by his parents because his parents died when he was just a child and he was brought up by his sister. His early education was from Shrewsbury School of Grammar from where he got education on the subject of classics (Holder, 2). He continued his education in Edinburgh from where he learned medicine, a subject in which he was not at all interested. He then continued his studies in Cambridge in Christ’s College, over there he learned theology (Darwin, 37). It was then his interest in plants, animals, insects and geological samples developed when he was under the direction of his cousin William Darwin who was an entomologist; and by the mid of 1830’s Charles had so much excelled in the field that he made certain scientific inventions. He further got motivated by his professor of Botany, Stevens Henslow (Darwin, 42). After the mission of HMS Beagle to Patagonia which was carried under the guidance of his professor; he set his base to continue for his further operations in zoological and geological unearthing (Ruse, 4). By this time Darwin had developed relations with Sir Lyell Charles, which earned him the position of secretary of the Geological Society (Burkhardt, Pearn& Evans, xiv). Darwin married Emma Wedgwood in 1839. Ruse indicates that at this time Darwin was gaining experience from the Downe where he was spending his life at that time (5). He completely devoted his life to science although he suffered from Chagas’s disease for a long period of time. It was then that he uncovered the issue of the origin of species and what came to be known as natural selection in the Darwinian Theory. By the end of 1850’s Darwin had made a lot of discoveries and finally he was able to compile all his collections in to a book named as The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Charles’s illness continued and the pro-longed illness cost his life and je died leaving 8 kids behind and numerous discoveries and books. He is greatly remembered for his contribution in evolution theories. He indeed contributed greatly in the field of Science. Darwin’s ideas Darwin is considered as the pioneer of a number of ideologies and theories (Aydon, 22). He covered the issues regarding human kind to racism. Darwin argues that the human beings throughout the years have struggled for their survival. He also proposed the relation between the human body and the mind. He declares that the mind is an extremely complex body organ and has a direct impact and effect on the various human activities. In fact the mind has a direct relation on the evolution of humankind. Evolution of humankind results in racism. Besides this cultural evolution also takes place as a result of the mind activities. 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. The questions have been asked in order to further understand human behavior and the different factors that directly affect the human behavior. Philosophy helps in an understanding of the existence of human beings and the reality behind discovery of varying aspects. It is through philosophy that the humans have been able to comprehend the nature of truth and knowledge on the evolution of human beings. In relation to human evolution, philosophy aids in bringing the need to inquire and analyse the speculations, interpretations, analysis and criticism of human evolution. It also helps to establish the nature of relationship between people and their society. Philosophy helps to clarify the concept of evolution. Ruse has presented that in his work Darwin wrote that people are always under a constant struggle for survival, they continue to learn new tactics and invent them in order to survive because in this world only the fittest can survive (173). And during their effort to survive the humans have to face a lot of trouble and hindrance, history depicts that human have always faced a tough time in order to survive and the one who is weak and is unable to cope up with the difficulties are slowly and gradually wiped out and they cease to exist. This in the context of philosophy has been the reason of evolution in mankind (Ruse, 129). Through a philosophical study of Darwin’s thoughts we can reveal the concepts behind Darwin’s thoughts on evolution. As only the fittest could survive according to Darwin’s theory soon in this world only those species would be left out which could not interbreed. This would lead to a great setback ecologically. Through philosophy we can easily clear our confusions and doubts regarding Darwin’s theory. Questions that may result from evolution, such as the existence of extinct species are possible to counter through philosophy. A discussion on human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint is only possible through the concepts of philosophy. The descent of mankind can be easily analyzed if the Darwin’s theory is carefully studied (55). Darwin has presented in his theory that humans have changed a lot during the entire course of evolution. This explanation can only be best 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 clarify concepts regarding human and human behavior and help understand those facts that are quite difficult to understand otherwise and also help to make certain assumptions. Using philosophical thoughts we can easily prove the facts that are in relation to human evolution and on the struggle for life, 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 to hold certain views that are authoritative and factual. Philosophy is based on individual intelligence. This intelligence helps a human to help distinguish between what is factual and what is not. The truth of human life can be considered in context to human evolution. Nevertheless, philosophically, evolution can be termed as an endeavor to seek human survival. Philosophy helps to analyze different aspects and human behavior logically. The notion and arguments on human life, human evolution and human behavior can be misleading if there is no belief in them. Human evolution or rather life in general can be indicated to start by chance, and the survival of humans take place through the process of evolution. Life has been controlled by forces in the environment (Holder, 141). It is therefore valid to give forward the view that humankind has revolutionized human evolution. This has been done in the way that conditions in the environment that lead to death are made under control. This leads to the fact that the factors that lead to death have been eliminated. Thus, evolution is still a continuous process in the environment. Species are slowly declining due to the process of evolution. This can also be connected to the very many diseases that the people are suffering from. The process of life is being slowly eliminated due to deaths. 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. Concluding, the process of human evolution can be discussed on a philosophical thought and background. Charles Darwin is indeed one of the most famous and remembered personalities of history. His works and compilations on Natural Selection have no doubt proved beneficial to comprehend 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