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| Charles Darwin |
I consider Thomas Malthus to have the most influence over Darwin’s development of his theory of Natural selection. Malthus influenced Darwin in a positive way by his book called, “Essay on the Principle of Population.” He spoke about policies that designed to help the poor which did not work because of the immense pressure of population growth. When Darwin read this he realized that animals and plants also experience population pressure. Malthus believed population growth would result in competition for resources. This helped inspire Mathus to work on his theory. “What is preventing organisms from reproducing at their potential?” is most likely influenced by Malthus. Darwin felt that animals and plants were also vulnerable to environmental changes. “Darwin believed that populations grew until they were aligned with existing resources, and then stabilized. Thomas Malthus work helped inspire Darwin to refine natural selection by stating a reason for meaningful competition between members of the same species.” In Darwin’s autobiography he stated that Malthus’s book helped him develop his theory. Without his influence I believe Darwin would not be able to create his theory of Natural Selection. The attitude of the church was hostile towards Darwin and his eventual publication of his book On the Origin of Species. Later on the response was mixed.
All ABout Science
I also agree that Malthus had the most significance influence on Darwin. It was interesting to read that programs designed to help the poor didn't work due to population growth. It definitely makes me think about how people who are from low income families really have it rough because there are SO many people right now looking for jobs due to things like population growth and immigration. Not only does it matter if you are the best candidate for the job, but it matters on how many people you are competing with. I guess this pattern with not enough resources will always occur no matter what century or population it is...
ReplyDeleteYou and ckj887 make a good point, and an interesting comparison to the present day struggle in the job field. I never looked at it in that light before and it gives me a new out look on the natural selection theory and how it works in different ways. I chose Wallace as the most influential person on Darwin's theory because Wallace was even considered the co-discoverer, but after reading a couple posts (including yours) on Malthus, I see the points you guys are making on how he basically put the idea into his head. Very well explained.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that Thomas Malthus was the most influential on Darwin. But one thing that i wish Thomas Malthus talked about was how the population of predators would affect a population in addition to epidemics.
ReplyDeleteVery clear and concise description of Malthus' work.
ReplyDeleteThe church was hostile to Darwin's work after it was published, but how did the church's attitude influence Darwin in his decision to publish his work in the first place?
AngelsMind, keep in mind that Malthus' work dealth entirely with human populations. The issue of predators wouldn't have come into play with humans.
ReplyDeleteL Rodriguez In response to your question....The church was hostile to Darwin's work after it was published, but how did the church's attitude influence Darwin in his decision to publish his work in the first place?
ReplyDeleteDarwin was hesitant to publish his work because he knew people would reject it. His family and friends were religious which is why he was reluctant to publish his work. His theory does undermine the Christian belief and he knew the response would be negative.
Thank you for your clarification.
ReplyDelete