Darwin’s theory of the evolution of species

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Darwin’s theory of the evolution of species by natural selection – which rejected the idea that species are immutable, and created by a divine being (Descartes, Paley), and located on a great chain of being (Locke) according to their degree of perfection – served to undermine what many philosophers and theologians saw as the unbridgeable gap that separates humans from animals. On the Darwinian view, humans no longer occupy a privileged and unique position in the world. The higher cognitive functions considered by many to be definitive of human nature – abstract thought, language, rationality, morality, self-consciousness – are entirely natural phenomena that have an evolutionary explanation; and they are no longer the sole preserve of our species, but are found in incipient form in other primate species, and even in cetaceans and dolphins. Ever since Darwin, philosophers, theologians, and scientists have tended to either support or reject the gap, arguing either for cognitive discontinuity between humans and animals, or for cognitive continuity. What side of this debate – if any – do you line up on, and why? Explain and defend your position, and situate it in light of the views of two of the philosophers or scientists we have read in this course.

 

 

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I lean towards the side of cognitive continuity between humans and animals. On a particular evolutionary scale, all living organisms no matter their species have evolved due to natural selection and adaptation in order to survive in their environment; this includes complex processes like abstract thought, language, rationality, morality or self-consciousness that were once considered strictly human attributes. This is evidenced by the scientific research conducted by scholars such as psychologist Donald Rumbaugh who found significant evidence for higher mental abilities amongst primates with his experiments (Rumbaugh et al., 1977). Additionally biologist Desmond Morris further refutes the idea of unbridgeable gaps by proposing that behavior among members within same species exists continuum rather than being divided up into distinct categories – thus asserting existence “hierarchical” relationship between humans other life forms (Morris., 1967). In conclusion I believe these studies demonstrate how certain faculties traditionally attributed only our race can be located different degrees both animal kingdom along chain evolution regardless static notion perfection suggested thinkers before Darwin era.

understudies. Given the expected worth of such figures propelling scholastic achievement and hence impacting results like maintenance, wearing down, and graduation rates, research is justified as it might give understanding into non-mental techniques that could be of possible benefit to this populace (Lamm, 2000) . Part I: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY Introduction The country is encountering a basic lack of medical care suppliers, a deficiency that is supposed to increment in the following five years, similarly as the biggest populace in our country’s set of experiences arrives at the age when expanded clinical consideration is essential (Pike, 2002). Staffing of emergency clinics, centers, and nursing homes is more basic than any time in recent memory as the enormous quantities of ‘people born after WW2’s start to understand the requirement for more continuous clinical mediation and long haul care. Interest in turning into a medical caretaker has disappeared as of late, presumably because of the historical bac

understudies. Given the expected worth of such figures propelling scholastic achievement and hence impacting results like maintenance, wearing down, and graduation rates, research is justified as it might give understanding into non-mental techniques that could be of possible benefit to this populace (Lamm, 2000) . Part I: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY Introduction The country is encountering a basic lack of medical care suppliers, a deficiency that is supposed to increment in the following five years, similarly as the biggest populace in our country’s set of experiences arrives at the age when expanded clinical consideration is essential (Pike, 2002). Staffing of emergency clinics, centers, and nursing homes is more basic than any time in recent memory as the enormous quantities of ‘people born after WW2’s start to understand the requirement for more continuous clinical mediation and long haul care. Interest in turning into a medical caretaker has disappeared as of late, presumably because of the historical bac

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