Allison Plante
Evolutionary studies have profoundly influenced our understanding of life and the natural world since the publication of Charles Darwin's seminal work, "On the Origin of Species." Darwin's theories of natural selection and evolution have provided a foundation for modern biology, explaining the diversity of species and their adaptations. These principles extend beyond biology to include insights into the development of human cultures and social structures. In economics, “survival of the fittest” can be applied to market competition and business strategies. Darwin's ideas continue to shape our understanding of the interconnectedness of life, driving scientific, societal, and economic progress as we strive to unravel the complexities of our world.
In "Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives", David Sloan Wilson explores how Darwin's theory of evolution can be applied to various aspects of life, including biology, human society, economics, and our overall understanding of the world. In Wilson’s words: “Evolution is not just about dinosaurs and human origins, but about why all species behave as they do—from beetles that devour their own young to bees that function as a collective brain, to dogs that are smarter in some respects than our closest ape relatives." This quote highlights how Darwin's ideas extend beyond biology, influencing our understanding of behavior, society, and the interconnectedness of life.
When Darwin first introduced his theory of evolution and natural selection in his first work “On the Origin of Species” there was, of course, resistance. Religious communities in late 17th century England firmly believed in creationism, the idea that God created the world and all living beings in their present form, as described in the Bible. This led to significant controversy and debate, with many religious leaders and communities opposing the idea of evolution as it conflicted with their interpretation of the Bible. In America, the impact of Darwin's theory took longer to be felt, but eventually led to the famous Scopes "Monkey Trial" in 1925, which highlighted the conflict between evolutionary science and creationism. John T. Scopes, a high school teacher in Dayton, Tennessee, was accused of violating the Butler Act, which made it illegal to teach human evolution in state-funded schools. The trial became a public spectacle, highlighting the clash between modernist and fundamentalist views on science and religion. The courts eventually ruled Scopes as guilty and he paid a fine, but this case initiated a national conversation surrounding the education system in America and its religious leaning curriculums. The American Civil Liberties Union pushed to fight against anti-evolution laws like the Butler Act until 1967 when it was overturned. It was then that Darwin's ideas finally began to gain acceptance within the scientific community and began to influence society and culture.
Wilson states, "Selfishness beats altruism within groups. Altruistic groups beat selfish groups. Everything else is commentary." This quote underscores the importance of cooperation and group dynamics in social structures. Not only is collaboration a survival skill, but it hints towards Darwin’s natural selection theory, as it is the underlying basis of how humans work, learn, react, and change throughout time. This idea is relevant today especially in relation to the global fight against climate change. In order to effectively conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impacts globally, there must be a universal foundation of cooperation and trust. In the same sense, Wilson notes, "Moral systems provide many of the mechanisms that enable human groups to function as adaptive units”. To be an adaptive unit is, at its core, an evolutionary survival mechanism, which has evolved to be the basis of modern day social unity and community. This perspective bridges biology and sociology, suggesting that our moral frameworks have evolved to enhance group survival.
In conclusion, Darwin’s theory challenged the prevailing religious beliefs of creationism and sparked significant debate across Europe and America. As Wilson eloquently states in "Evolution for Everyone," evolutionary thinking extends beyond understanding biological species to explaining human behavior, social structures, and cultural expressions. Evolutionary principles, such as cooperation and moral systems, offer insights into the functioning of human societies and inform our approaches to complex societal issues. Through the integration of evolutionary theory and scientific research, we continue to expand our understanding of the world and develop innovative solutions to improve human life and the environment. These efforts underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the challenges of our time.
Citations
Blancke, Stefaan, and Gilles Denis. “Bringing Darwin into the Social Sciences and the Humanities: Cultural Evolution and Its Philosophical Implications - History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences.” SpringerLink, Springer International Publishing, 10 Apr. 2018, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40656-018-0195-0.
Branch, Glenn. “Teaching Evolution Has a Bright Future in the U.S.” Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2025, www.scientificamerican.com/article/teaching-evolution-has-a-bright-future-in-the-u-s/?form=MG0AV3. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
“Scopes Trial: Inherit the Wind & Butler Act.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 10 July 2024, www.history.com/topics/1920s/scopes-trial?form=MG0AV3.
Wilson, David Sloan. Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin’s Theory Can Change the Way We Think about Our Lives. Bantam Dell, 2008.