Retrieving Darwin's Revolutionary Idea: The Reluctant Radical

Darwin's discovery of evolution was only half the story; he also formulated the theory of natural selection, which was rejected by the scientific community due to its counter-scientific nature and its implications for the ruling orders. This theory anticipated Nietzsche's Godless philosophy, Marx's class-based economics, and Freud's psychological theories of the unconscious, and it would take 80 years for Darwinism to become accepted as mainstream science. However, a popularized Darwinism would become the touchstone for backlash movements in philosophy, economics, and psychology throughout the twentieth century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Darwin's groundbreaking discovery of evolution is widely celebrated alongside Galileo's laws of motion and Newton's discovery of gravity. However, this was just the beginning of his remarkable journey. Darwin's ultimate goal was not merely to establish the fact of evolution but to convey its profound and humbling implications. In pursuit of this, he formulated the theory of natural selection, which went against the prevailing scientific reasoning of the time. Despite its revolutionary nature, Darwin's theory faced fierce opposition and rejection from the scientific community.

One of the primary reasons for this rejection was that it challenged the prevailing belief in the harmony and design of nature. Darwin's theory dismantled the comforting narratives of nature's benevolence and perfection, replacing them with a more complex and unsettling view. This rejection extended beyond the scientific realm, as Darwin's ideas also threatened the ruling orders and their ability to find solace in tales of nature's harmony.

Darwin's ideas were ahead of their time and anticipated the philosophical, economic, and psychological theories of Nietzsche, Marx, and Freud. His radical thinking challenged the established norms and paved the way for new perspectives and ideas. However, it would take a significant amount of time for Darwinism to gain widespread acceptance as mainstream science.

In the meantime, a popularized version of Darwinism emerged, which became a touchstone for backlash movements in philosophy, economics, and psychology. These movements sought to undermine and challenge Darwin's ideas, often reverting to more traditional and conservative perspectives. It is worth noting that Darwin himself recognized the potential for his ideas to be misused and misinterpreted. He expressed concerns about the potential consequences of his work, particularly in terms of social and moral implications.

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding Darwinism, it remains a pivotal and influential concept in the fields of biology, evolution, and anthropology. Darwin's discovery of natural selection has fundamentally changed our understanding of the natural world and our place within it. It has challenged our assumptions, sparked new debates, and inspired generations of scientists and thinkers to explore the complexities of life and the universe.

In conclusion, Darwin's discovery of evolution is a landmark achievement that has shaped our understanding of the world. While it faced initial resistance and rejection, Darwin's ideas have ultimately prevailed and continue to inspire and challenge us today. The story of Darwinism is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry, the importance of challenging established beliefs, and the enduring impact of revolutionary ideas.

Weight: 631g
Dimension: 229 x 160 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793632494