On the Darwinian View of Progress

Abstract

Darwinian analysis of evolutionary progress provide 1) an explanation of how evolution works; 2) a notion of what is progress; and 3) an explanation of the way evolution brings about progress. The aim of this discussion is to probe items 2 and 3 and their application to selection and of institutions and behavior as well as species. Progress was viewed by Darwin as the movement toward the production of more beautiful and wonderful animals based on characteristics and features or genetic excellence rather than quality of (an Aristotelian focus). Judgment is involved in evaluating quality of species or genotypes and quality of life. It is more germane from an environmentalist perspective to understand species selection in terms of human reasoning rather than the Darwinian survival of the fittest if the objective is to value all species. The criterion of fitness in evolution is ambiguous because is also dependent on the environment which might be more or suitable and there are interdependencies in the competition for survival. Why should success in reproduction and be the yardstick of achievement and Fitter than what? Reproductive success can be 1) measured over time and 2) across alternative possibilities. Julian Huxley proposed the criterion of mechanical efficiency to identify progress over time; however a species that may survive better than another in a more environment might not do as well in a less rigorous one. Alternative possibilities is also problematic. Valuing a characteristic because it is relevant to may exclude characteristics valued for other reasons. Buddha as a reasoning man sought enlightenment and found misery and death; killing animals was deemed undesirable yet the natural order is species devouring species. Natural selection is also careless of the single life beyond reproduction. The eugenics movement advanced his ideas but neglected to recognize autonomy and freedom in preference to selective breeding. genetic manipulation vs. inactivity and spontaneity became the choices rather than adjusting the world to suit our needs. This dichotomy is limiting in a world that has remediable deprivations. Darwin is needed only in moderation.