WMSF: Introduction to The Eclipse of Darwinism WF-FI-1123-WMWAG23
This lecture delves into a unique period in the history of evolutionary biology, known as the "eclipse of Darwinism," which occurred at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. During this time, interest in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution waned in favor of alternative concepts like neo-Lamarckism, orthogenesis, saltationism, and mutationism. The lecture aims to shed light on why this shift occurred and what factors influenced it.
Students will learn about the historical context, the emergence of competing evolutionary theories, and the eventual reconciliation known as the "synthetic theory of evolution" in the 1930s. The lecture's primary goal is to critically analyze existing interpretations of the "eclipse of Darwinism," focusing on the philosophical assumptions that underpin these interpretations.
By exploring how different philosophical perspectives shape historical interpretations, the lecture aims to answer the fundamental question: How does the philosophy of science influence our understanding of the history of a particular field? Ultimately, the lecture seeks to propose a fresh perspective on why the "eclipse of Darwinism" occurred and how its origins should be understood.
(in Polish) Dyscyplina naukowa, do której odnoszą się efekty uczenia się
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
(in Polish) Opis nakładu pracy studenta w ECTS
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
ECTS [1 ECTS = 30 (25) hours]:
- participation in the lecture: 30 hours
- preparation for a pass: 30-60 hours
- preparation for lectures, and reading texts: 0-30 hours.
- consultations - 0-30 hours
Total hours (average): 120 [180/30 (25) = 4]
Number of ECTS credits: 4
Knowledge:
1. the student knows and understands the historical context of the philosophical and biological views presented in the lecture
2. the student knows the ideas and arguments used in 19 th century discussions of the philosophy of biology;
3. the student understands and recognizes problems related to historical and contemporary evolutionist issues.
Skills:
1. the student reads and interprets historical and current texts concerning issues related to evolutionary biology;
2. the student notices and recognizes the philosophical problems related to the concept of evolution in biology.
Competences:
1. the student knows the scope of their knowledge in the field of philosophy and history of biology;
2. the student understands the need for continuous training and development in the field of philosophical issues presented during classes
Assessment criteria
The lecture will end with an oral exam - the final grade will depend on the result.
Knowledge:
- 2 (ndst ..): The student does not know the basic terms, concepts, and theories of evolution discussed in the course
- 3 (dst.): The student knows the basic concepts and theories related to the philosophy of biology, but is unable to discuss these issues in detail in their historical context
- 4 (db.): The student identifies the philosophical problems of evolutionism and discusses correctly selected issues in the field of philosophy and history of biology
- 5 (very good): The student is well versed in the issues of evolutionism and is able to combine it with contemporary philosophical discussions
Skills
- 2 (ndst ..): The student is not able to interpret and compare the main problems in the field of philosophy and history of biology
- 3 (dst.): The student is able to relate to some issues related to the philosophy of biology, but is not able to relate them to the historical period in which they were created, or to thinkers dealing with these issues
- 4 (db.): The student is able to correctly indicate and explain the historical relations between the problems of the philosophy of biology and the development of evolutionism
- 5 (very good): The student is able to critically discuss the issues raised during the lecture, as well as respond to them and correctly justify his position
Competences:
The student is aware of the historical roots of philosophical problems related to the theory of evolution. The student has knowledge about the development of evolutionism and its philosophical connotations.
Details will be given during the course.
Bibliography
Wagner, M. J. Interpretacje rozwoju biologii ewolucyjnej na przełomie XIX i XX wieku. (2020).
Additional literature:
Bowler P. J. Darwin deleted: imaginig a world without Darwina, (2013)
Gayon J. Darwinism' s Struggle for Survival, (2007)
Mayr E. The growth of biological thought, (1982)
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: