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Criticisms on "The Origin of Species" / From 'The Natural History Review', 1864 cover

Criticisms on "The Origin of Species" / From 'The Natural History Review', 1864

An essay surveys recent continental commentaries on Darwin's theory, summarizing positions of several philologists and naturalists and focusing on two elaborate critiques. It outlines Darwin's account of continual variation and selection, presents the chief objections—especially the claim that organs imply purposeful construction—and treats an alternative labeled heterogeneous generation. The author contrasts the teleological explanation with natural selection conceived as a trial-and-error process that yields fit adaptations, evaluates the critics' destructive and constructive points, and defends the explanatory power of selection without recourse to design.

By Thomas Henry Huxley
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Philosophy & EthicsScience - Biology

About This Book

An essay surveys recent continental commentaries on Darwin's theory, summarizing positions of several philologists and naturalists and focusing on two elaborate critiques. It outlines Darwin's account of continual variation and selection, presents the chief objections—especially the claim that organs imply purposeful construction—and treats an alternative labeled heterogeneous generation. The author contrasts the teleological explanation with natural selection conceived as a trial-and-error process that yields fit adaptations, evaluates the critics' destructive and constructive points, and defends the explanatory power of selection without recourse to design.

About the Author

Huxley, Thomas Henry portrait

Thomas Henry Huxley

Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895) was an English biologist and a prominent advocate of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Often referred to as 'Darwin's Bulldog' for his defense of evolutionary science, Huxley made significant contributions to the fields of zoology and paleontology. His works, such as "A Critical Examination of the Position of Mr. Darwin's Work" and "American Addresses, with a Lecture on the Study of Biology," reflect his commitment to scientific inquiry and education. Huxley's writings often explored the relationship between science and religion, and he was instrumental in promoting the importance of scientific literacy in society.

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A Critical Examination of the Position of Mr. Darwin's Work, "On the Origin of Species," in Relation to the Complete Theory of the Causes of the Phenomena of Organic Nature / Lecture VI. (of VI.), "Lectures to Working Men", at the Museum of Practical Geology, 1863, on Darwin's Work: "Origin of Species" cover A Critical Examination of the Position of Mr. Darwin's Work, "On the Origin of Species," in Relation to the Complete Theory of the Causes of the Phenomena of Organic Nature / Lecture VI. (of VI.), "Lectures to Working Men", at the Museum of Practical Geology, 1863, on Darwin's Work: "Origin of Species" by Thomas Henry Huxley American Addresses, with a Lecture on the Study of Biology cover American Addresses, with a Lecture on the Study of Biology by Thomas Henry Huxley Aphorisms and Reflections from the works of T. H. Huxley cover Aphorisms and Reflections from the works of T. H. Huxley by Thomas Henry Huxley Aphorisms and Reflections from the Works of T. H. Huxley cover Aphorisms and Reflections from the Works of T. H. Huxley by Thomas Henry Huxley Autobiography and Selected Essays cover Autobiography and Selected Essays by Thomas Henry Huxley Collected Essays, Volume V / Science and Christian Tradition: Essays cover Collected Essays, Volume V / Science and Christian Tradition: Essays by Thomas Henry Huxley

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