PS390 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Scientism, Social Darwinism, Spiritualism
Document Summary
The social and cultural climate was ready for darwin"s theories bc of recently noted geological fossils by charles lyell. Marks a major change bc western culture was heavily influenced by theology up to now. Darwin influenced by malthus" arguement that humans, w limited resources, will struggle for survival and only the strongest will survive. His biggest contributions were data which showed how small changes in the anatomy of an animal can vastly improve their chances for survivial. Argued if more offspring were produced than food sources could support, the best fit for the environment would be the ones who survived. Alfred wallace also came to this conclusion but darwin was given credit bc he published his book first. Darwin challenged the three theories about the natural world that were deeply embedded in western culture at the time. Many chrisitians were able to adapt to this theory by interpreting biblical stories about creation as metaphorical not literal.
