Charles Darwin's use of theology in the Origin of Species.
This essay examines Darwin's positiva (or positive) use of theology in the first edition of the Origin of Species in three steps. First, the essay analyses the Origin's theological language about God's accessibility, honesty, methods of creating, relationship to natural laws and lack of responsibility for natural suffering; the essay contends that Darwin utilized positiva theology in order to help justify (and inform) descent with modification and to attack special creation. Second, the essay offers critical analysis of this theology, drawing in part on Darwin's mature ruminations to suggest that, from an epistemic point of view, the Origin's positiva theology manifests several internal tensions. Finally, the essay reflects on the relative epistemic importance of positiva theology in the Origin's overall case for evolution. The essay concludes that this theology served as a handmaiden and accomplice to Darwin's science.
Department of Philosophy, St Edward's University, Austin, TX 78704, USA. stephend@stedwards.edu
Stephen
S
Dilley
D005075:Biological Evolution; D049672:History, 19th Century; D012070:Religion and Science; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D028725:Theology / Q000266:history*; D006113:United Kingdom