Darwinian Theories of Human Nature

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Darwinian theories of human nature, including influential philosophers and foundational ideas in evolution.

Schopenhauer

A philosopher known for his pessimistic idealism and critique of Hegel, whose ideas influenced Darwin, Nietzsche, and Freud.

The World as Will and Idea

Schopenhauer's concept that reality is composed of perceptions (the World as Idea) and the underlying driving force (the World as Will).

Will to Live

Schopenhauer's concept that everything is driven by an endless striving, manifesting as the primary motivation for life.

Natural Selection

Darwin's mechanism explaining evolution through the survival and reproduction of organisms best adapted to their environment.

Survival of the Fittest

A phrase often associated with Darwin, indicating that only the organisms best suited for their environment will survive and reproduce.

Lamarckism

An early evolutionary theory suggesting that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring.

Eugenics

A controversial movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a population, often associated with unethical practices.

Modern Genetic Synthesis

A unified theory in biology that integrates Darwin's natural selection with Mendelian genetics to explain evolution.

Ethology

The study of animal behavior focusing on evolutionary processes rather than learned behavior.

Evolutionary Psychology

A field of psychology that seeks to understand the human mind by examining how evolutionary principles shape human behavior.