The Theories of Darwin and Their Relation to Philosophy, Religion, and Morality

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22150

Title

The Theories of Darwin and Their Relation to Philosophy, Religion, and Morality

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Rudolf Schmid offers a reasoned defense of the harmony between Darwinian science, Christian faith, and moral integrity. This work addresses the perceived conflict between evolution and religion, arguing that scientific inquiry and religious conviction are mutually supportive rather than antagonistic.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1883, Rudolf Schmid's *The Theories of Darwin and Their Relation to Philosophy, Religion, and Morality* serves as a comprehensive defense of the harmony between scientific inquiry and religious faith. Written as a response to the prevailing view that science and religion are irreconcilable, Schmid argues that these domains operate in perfect unity, with one function of the mind directly requiring the other. The treatise reviews the historical trajectory of evolutionary thought, tracing it from Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's early ideas through Charles Darwin's seminal work on natural selection and descent. Schmid contextualizes Darwin's theories within a broader landscape of scientific preparation, including the principles of comparative anatomy, the concept of a universal prototype, and geological discoveries that suggested gradual change rather than catastrophic upheaval. He also examines the contributions of contemporaries like Ernst Haeckel and Moriz Wagner, as well as critics such as Albert Wigand, who proposed alternative mechanisms like the genealogy of primordial cells. Schmid systematically addresses the philosophical, religious, and ethical objections raised against Darwinism. He critiques materialism and monism for attempting to eliminate the idea of design from nature, arguing instead that the origins of consciousness, sensation, and life do not negate divine purpose but rather illuminate it. He refutes the notion that evolutionary theory necessitates a pessimistic worldview or that religious impulses must yield to scientific findings. Instead, Schmid contends that morality is not weakened by evolution but can be strengthened by it, rejecting the antagonism often posited between ethical standards and biological development. The text functions as a detailed review of the literature on Darwinism in both German and English, aiming to clear the way for thought in disputed fields. By demonstrating that the freedom of scientific investigation guarantees the care of religious possession, Schmid seeks to reconcile the minds of readers and restore peace between faith and knowledge, asserting that the highest interests of mankind are served when these distinct yet complementary perspectives are viewed in their proper relation to one another.

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Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy
• Science