The Reception of Evolutionism in Polish Philosophy of Nature WF-FI-212-WMAN-WA23
This lecture will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the reception of Darwin's theory of evolution among Polish Christian philosophers and socialists during the 19th century. It delves into a crucial period when Poland was under the partitioning powers of Austria, Russia, and Prussia, and explores how these authorities attempted to discredit Darwinism, fearing its potential to incite revolutionary sentiments. Remarkably, anti-Darwinist sentiments persisted even after Poland regained independence in 1918, and this lecture will uncover the reasons behind this endurance.
By attending this lecture, students will gain insights into the intricate political conflicts that shaped discussions surrounding Darwin's ideas. They will also discover the religious context that played a pivotal role in these debates, where Darwinism was associated with Marxism and revolutionary ideologies. Furthermore, students will explore the contrasting perspectives of Polish intellectuals who linked Darwinism with progress, advocating for liberal foundations, and those who opposed it, fearing the erosion of morality and the nation's identity.
Ultimately, this lecture offers students a unique opportunity to unravel the complex interplay of politics, philosophy, and religion that influenced the perception of Darwinism in Poland and its profound implications for the nation's future direction.
(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
Preliminary Requirements
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
ECTS [1 ECTS = 30 (25) hours]:
- participation in the lecture: 30 hours
- preparation for a pass: 60 hours
- Individual work at home, preparation for lectures and discussions: 60 hours.
- consultations - 0-30 hours
Total hours (average): 180 [180/30 (25) = 6]
Number of ECTS credits: 6
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 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 discussed in the course
- 3 (dst.): The student knows the basic concepts and theories related to the polish 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 polish 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 polish philosophical discussions
Skills
- 2 (ndst ..): The student is not able to interpret and compare the main problems in the field of polish philosophy and history of biology
- 3 (dst.): The student is able to relate to some issues related to the polish 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 polish 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 contemporary philosophical problems related to the theory of evolution. The student has knowledge about the development of evolutionism and its ideological connotations in polish philosophy of nature.
Details will be given during the course.
Bibliography
1. Konstańczak, Stefan, Polska XIX i XX wieku w filozoficznym zwierciadle, (2017
2. Mayr, Ernst, One long argument. Charles Darwin and the Genesis of Modern Evolutionary Thought, (1991)
3. Schumann, Daniel, ‘Struggle for or against Participation? How Darwinism Came to Partitioned Poland in the 1860s and early 1870s’, in The Reception of Charles Darwin in Europe. Vol 1, edited by Exe-Marie Engels, Thomas F. Glick, (2008)
4. Wagner, Michał, ‘Evolutionary Theism of Henryk Levittoux in Polish and International Context’, Quarterly Journal Fides et ratio, no. 4, vol. 48, (2021)
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: