Charles Darwin: The Evolutionary Party
In 1809, a brilliant mind known as Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England (1). He greatly influenced the culture at the time by the many articles, books, and letters that he published at the time. Some of these works included, On The Origin of Species, The Voyage of the Beagle and The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. Darwin went on a five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle, and this voyage led him to hypothesize his theories about natural selection and evolution. He worked on his theory for nearly 20 years, and found out that another naturalist, Russel Wallace, was working on similar concepts as him, so they made a collaborative announcement of their discovery in 1858. Then, in 1858, he published On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, which was extremely controversial as it stated that homo sapiens are just another form of an animal and they may have just evolved from apes and they survived based upon natural selection, depending on how a species adapted to an environment. This concept escalated into other concepts from the 19th century such as the chain of being, freak shows, and scientific sexism and racism, which can be extrapolated to further describe his possible views on abortion, women's rights, drug prohibition, and eugenics: concepts which have impacted both the 19th century and the 21st century.
Abortion
Charles Darwin's view on abortion can be interpreted in many views as he had no direct stance on it, but he did talk about reproductive success and survival for existence. Technically, abortion can be looked as a lack of reproductive success, since a life is no longer being produced, but many people have interpreted Darwin's views as otherwise. According to some people, Darwin's views on scientific sexism and racism have actually been a factor in abortion and forced sterilization (3). Since Darwin's theory of evolution is against the Church, many people have interpreted his views of abortion as opposing the church as well. However, it can be assumed that Darwin was against abortion, as it would give a woman control over her body, and since Charles Darwin had more of a male-control viewpoint. Darwin's views on abortion are debatable as many people view eugenics and abortion hand in hand and the popular view is that Darwin helped to contribute to eugenics.
Women's Rights
Women's rights has been a prevalent issue long before the 19th century and still continues to be an issue. Although women currently have voting rights, there are still areas where women are discriminated against. Charles Darwin was a man that gave women opportunities to work with him, but in return, the women did not receive the credit by which they deserved. Charles Darwin taught that women are biologically inferior to men (5). This was seen in his book “The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex.” In his book, Darwin lists the advantages of marrying a woman, which includes “companionship, someone better than a dog, and as a person to take care of the house” (5). Darwin taught that human sex differences were in part to sexual selection. This was specifically the case because men wanted to prove themselves physically and intellectually superior to other men so that they can lure women. Whereas a
woman’s main interest would be being sexually attractive to a man. Darwin said it best to wrap up the way men felt when objectifying women: "the strongest party always carries off the prize," the result is that "a weak man, unless he be a good hunter . . . is seldom permitted to keep a wife that a stronger man thinks worth his notice" (5). It would be safe to assume that Darwin would be against women's rights, regardless of the era, as male support is necessary in order for a viewpoint to become popular.
woman’s main interest would be being sexually attractive to a man. Darwin said it best to wrap up the way men felt when objectifying women: "the strongest party always carries off the prize," the result is that "a weak man, unless he be a good hunter . . . is seldom permitted to keep a wife that a stronger man thinks worth his notice" (5). It would be safe to assume that Darwin would be against women's rights, regardless of the era, as male support is necessary in order for a viewpoint to become popular.
Drug Prohibition
Although drug use was prevalent in the 19th century, it can be assumed that Charles Darwin would have been in support for drug prohibition, regardless of the era. Drugs effect the human body negatively and reverse evolutionary progress. Considering Darwin was a naturalist, he would have probably known some of the effects of the chemicals from drugs entering the body. Charles Darwin was a sick man himself, suffering for over 40 years. It is said that he suffered from Crohns disease, and was in a lot of pain throughout his travels, with his sickness being a mystery (6). Because Charles Darwin suffered severely, it can be believed that he would be against drugs, unless for medicinal use.
Eugenics
Eugenics is a touchy topic, both in the 19th century and now in the 21st century
as it has many negative connotations that come along with the name. Charles Darwin's name receives much criticism for eugenics. Eugenics is actually a term devised by Darwin's cousin, Francis Galton and was promoted by Darwin's grandfather and father (3), so it would make sense that Darwin is a supporter of eugenics, as his family is in favor of it, however, it would contradict his evolutionary theory. Unfortunately, many people, such as Nazi Germany, have abused Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest, and unfortunately, it can be seen as an influence to tragic events such as the Holocaust. Darwin said himself his book, The Descent of Man, "the civilized races of man will almost certainly exterminate, and replace, the savage races throughout the world" (8).
as it has many negative connotations that come along with the name. Charles Darwin's name receives much criticism for eugenics. Eugenics is actually a term devised by Darwin's cousin, Francis Galton and was promoted by Darwin's grandfather and father (3), so it would make sense that Darwin is a supporter of eugenics, as his family is in favor of it, however, it would contradict his evolutionary theory. Unfortunately, many people, such as Nazi Germany, have abused Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest, and unfortunately, it can be seen as an influence to tragic events such as the Holocaust. Darwin said himself his book, The Descent of Man, "the civilized races of man will almost certainly exterminate, and replace, the savage races throughout the world" (8).
Want more Darwin?
Interactive Darwin Games
A link to an interactive Darwin site to learn about natural selection and the "survival game!"
http://science.discovery.com/games-and-interactives/charles-darwin-game.htm
A link to interactive "Darwin's footsteps"
http://www.rolls-royce.com/interactive_games/darwin/darwin.htm
http://science.discovery.com/games-and-interactives/charles-darwin-game.htm
A link to interactive "Darwin's footsteps"
http://www.rolls-royce.com/interactive_games/darwin/darwin.htm
Works Cited and Further Research Material:
1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/darwin_charles.shtml
2. http://www.biography.com/people/charles-darwin-9266433
3. http://americanrtl.org/Charles-Darwin-and-abortion
4. http://www.creationbc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128&Itemid=62
5. Darwin, Charles. 1896. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex.
New York: D. Appleton and Company.
6. http://rsnr.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/61/1/23.full
7. http://www.icr.org/article/4349/
8. Darwin, Charles. 1901. The Descent of Man. London: John Murray, 241-242.
1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/darwin_charles.shtml
2. http://www.biography.com/people/charles-darwin-9266433
3. http://americanrtl.org/Charles-Darwin-and-abortion
4. http://www.creationbc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128&Itemid=62
5. Darwin, Charles. 1896. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex.
New York: D. Appleton and Company.
6. http://rsnr.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/61/1/23.full
7. http://www.icr.org/article/4349/
8. Darwin, Charles. 1901. The Descent of Man. London: John Murray, 241-242.