The word "Darwinianism" is spelled dɑːwɪniənɪz(ə)m. It is derived from the surname of Charles Darwin, the British naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection. The suffix "-ism" denotes a belief or ideology, thereby referring to the adherence to the principles of Darwin's theory. The word may sometimes be misspelled as "Darwinism" without the extra "i", but it is important to use the correct spelling to properly convey the intended meaning.
Darwinianism refers to the principles and theories put forth by the British naturalist Charles Darwin, particularly in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. Darwinianism embodies the theory of evolution, proposing that all living species on Earth have descended from common ancestors and have gradually developed through the process of natural selection.
The core concept of Darwinianism rests on the idea that individuals within a species have inherent variations that can positively or negatively impact their chances of survival and reproduction. Those individuals with advantageous traits that better suit their environment have a higher probability of surviving and passing on their genetic material to subsequent generations. Over time, these beneficial traits become more prevalent within the species, leading to the gradual change and diversification of organisms on Earth.
Darwinianism also stresses the significance of competition, with organisms vying for limited resources and survival in their respective habitats. The survival of the fittest concept, also known as social Darwinism, is often associated with Darwinianism, in which the most well-adapted individuals are more likely to thrive and succeed in a given environment.
This scientific framework has had a profound impact on various fields, including biology, anthropology, and psychology, shaping the understanding of natural sciences and furthering research and exploration in these areas. However, it is important to note that Darwinianism should not be confused with social ideologies or philosophical viewpoints that justify or support notions of inequality or injustice in human societies, as these ideas venture beyond the scientific realm in which Darwinianism is situated.
Darwinism.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Darwinianism" is derived from the surname of British naturalist Charles Darwin. Charles Darwin is widely known for his theory of evolution through natural selection, which he proposed in his groundbreaking book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. Darwin's ideas revolutionized the field of biology and had a profound impact on scientific, philosophical, and cultural thought. As a result, the term "Darwinianism" emerged to denote the theory and its associated concepts.