Evolutionary Theories and Human Social Thought

Evolutionary Theories and Concepts

Fixism and Evolution

Fixism posits that all species are independent and remain unchanged over time since their creation. In contrast, Evolution is the theory that the universe and all manifestations of life are the product of diverse development. Species diversity is the result of change and adaptation.

Early Evolutionary Thought: Transformism

Transformism (17th century) suggests the appearance of new species due to the transformation of primitive ones.

Lamarckism: The First Comprehensive Theory

Lamarckism is recognized as the first comprehensive theory of biological evolution. It defends a gradual progression from simple organisms to more complex ones. Changes, according to Lamarck, occur to adapt to the environment, and through the use and disuse of certain organs.

Darwinism: Natural Selection and Survival

Darwinism posits a struggle for survival due to limited living resources, which implies natural selection. In this struggle, the fittest survive – those with the best features to adapt to the environment – and transmit their characteristics to their descendants.

Mutationism: Understanding Variation

Mutationism distinguishes two types of variations: changes caused by environmental factors (which are not inherited) and mutations, which are alterations that occur in the genes of living organisms and are transmitted by inheritance.

The Nature of the Human Being

Biological and Cultural Dimensions

The human being is an animal with a unique biological nature, characterized by the order of culture: language, technology, morality, law, economics, art, science, and religion. Thus, the human is a cultural animal.

Human Beings as Social Animals: Aristotle's View

Any individual, to be complete, belongs to a species, whether animal or plant. Human beings are social by nature, as stated by Aristotle. The human being is a political animal, needing society and culture to develop proper skills. Living in society is a requirement of human nature; only a non-human could live without it. Only the human being can live in society alone, and only reason allows us to discern good and evil. (Functioning in society allows for self-realization).

Philosophical Perspectives on Society

Thomas Hobbes: A Pessimistic Outlook

Thomas Hobbes offered a pessimistic consideration of human beings. He suggested that in a hypothetical state, humans live in a chaotic association where each, motivated by their own selfishness, is in constant struggle with others. The only natural impulses are self-preservation and the satisfaction of needs. (The function of society, in this view, is to protect and coerce).

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: The Solitary Man and Society

Rousseau's philosophy is based on the hypothesis of a naturally solitary man who, though not needing society to live, is moved by pity – a natural benevolent impulse towards others. This could be positive for humankind if development is structured as a less numerous and more egalitarian community. However, the emergence of private property and the selfishness it triggers threaten peaceful coexistence.

Ethnocentrism: Cultural Bias and Its Impact

Defining Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism analyzes cultures from the standpoint of one's own culture, which leads to assessing others based on one's own standards.

Consequences of Ethnocentrism

This cultural bias has two main consequences:

• A lack of comprehension for those who do not share one's way of life.
• The radicalization of the sense of cohesion within one's own group, which makes its members feel superior to others and adopt an imposing or patronizing attitude toward those who are different.