Abstract

Naturalism, in both its Darwinian and post-Darwinian forms, is concerned with evolution. Evolution requires both something that evolves (the “positive” side of evolution) and some forces that make up the selection pressures that contribute to the elimination of unfit forms (the “negative” side of evolution). In Spinoza's notion of “conatus” I wish to find a metaphor for the “positive” principle of evolution. In Darwin's notion of “natural selection” we find the metaphor for the “negative principle.” Both negative and positive principles are necessary to bring about the possibility of real-life evolution.

Highlights

  • Naturalism, in both its Darwinian and post-Darwinian forms, is concerned with evolution

  • In Spinoza's notion of “conatus” I wish to find a metaphor for the “positive” principle of evolution

  • Perhaps the principle of "conatus" can explain how physical, biological and mental processes share a mode of operation – arise, as they do, from a fixed set of laws of nature

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Naturalism, in both its Darwinian and post-Darwinian forms, is concerned with evolution. Accepted: Introduction: Between Negative and Positive Notions of Naturalism – Spinoza and Deacon In Spinoza's notion of “conatus” I wish to find a metaphor for the “positive” principle of evolution.

Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.