Last time, I did a quick reflection on "Modernity" and its definition.
In hopes of continuing this "Modernity" discussion, here is a brief commentary on the postmodern characteristics seen in Darwin's On the Origin of Species.
Enjoy -- and stay curious.
Though the arbitrary element of Darwin’s selection theory only applies to the first step of natural selection, Darwinian philosophy did not reinforce the structures and further argued against “Modern” thinking to highlight post-modernist views in the field of evolution.
“Modernity” requires a cycle of learning and necessitates the understanding of nuanced elements of society that make our lives more predictable. Unlike Lamark who associated evolution with desire, Darwin primarily argued that no element of evolution can be predetermined as a series of natural, uncontrollable factors determine the fate of a species (Darwin 45). For Darwin, invoking any teleological forces that led to a specific destination remained unnecessary due to the uncertainty surrounding evolutionary biology. Nonetheless, there is nuance to explore in such claims that fundamentally contradict conventional aspects of “Modern” thinking. The initial step of natural selection must consist of some degree of randomness, yet the proceeding stages of evolution become directional. For instance, principles rooted in sexual selection allow individuals to predict that males with specific variations that increase their chances of attracting females greatly improve their overall chances of reproduction (Darwin 115). In this regard, while Darwin embraces ambiguity by rejecting determinism, certain stages of natural selection emphasize the stability produced by “Modernity” and the importance of teleological processes.
To fully acknowledge the complexities in life, however, a certain degree of synchronization must exist through universal inventions and ideas. Though concepts often create the foundation for subsequent laws, Darwin defies conventional scientific norms by asserting that laws provide avenues to explore concepts. By rejecting previously established parameters for scientific research, Darwin further neglects––rather than reinforces––the original scientific method that merely focuses on experimentation rather than observation and comparative analyses. Moreover, Darwin states that his theories would be “utterly inexplicable if each species has been independently created” by God which challenges beliefs around divine creation (Darwin 107). Instead of confining himself to the traditional structures of design, Darwin explores a design without a designer and concludes that the endless boundaries of knowledge prevent the possibility of expertise or the existence of a Supreme Being that fully understands the process of evolution. Thus, by moving beyond universal notions and synchronization within the scientific community, Darwin adopts a post-modernist mindset that encourages him to wander through the unknown without restrictions.
Works Cited
Darwin, Charles. "The Origin of Species." In Darwin, edited by Philip Appleman. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2001.
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