Dwieście lat idei ewolucji w biologii. Lamarck - Darwin - Wallace

Abstrakt

This paper presents evolution idea, as proposed by J. B. Lamarck ("Philosophy of Zoology"), natural selection theory by Ch. Darwin ("On the Origins of Species") together with main ideas from A.R. Wallace's book "Darwinism". In Lamarck's theory I'll focus on (de)gradation theory, nominalist understanding of the term species in biology, as well as evolution theory. The latter is of great importance, as it shows how evolutionary changes lead to adaptations. In this view, negative environmental conditions change is usually spiritus movens of evolution. Ch. Darwin's natural selection theory is presented in form a sequence mechanisms of natural selection: stabilized, directed and disrupted. Notions listed above help in expounding species evolution process, as well as origins of species. Last subject are basic ideas of A.R. Wallace. In general, Wallace accepted Darwin's view on evolution, yet, he goes a bit further in some topics (e.g. human evolution). Closing argument points out the importance of natural selection theory for contemporary sciences and philosophy.