Evolutionary Models and Social Theory. Prospects and Problems

Abstract

Charles Darwin’s most important work, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, was published in 1859. In that volume, Darwin argued that all organisms are descended by a slow, gradual, natural process of transformation — that is to say “evolution” — from one or a few original forms. Additionally, Darwin proposed a mechanism for this process which he called “natural selection”. Darwin hypothesized that many more organisms are being born than can possibly survive and reproduce, and that consequently there will be an ensuing “struggle for existence”. More precisely, there will be a “struggle for reproduction”. Noting that organisms seem to differ between themselves, Darwin argued that success in the struggle will be in part a function of the distinctive characteristics possessed by the successful, and this he maintained would lead to a natural form of winnowing, or selection. Given enough time, full-blooded evolution results (Ruse, 1979).