Introduction

• Charles Darwin and his theory of natural

selection are central to the understanding
of modern biology and the history of
science.
• The theme of Darwin and Natural
Selection is crucial for students to
appreciate the significance of Darwin’s
work and its impact on science,
philosophy, and society.
• This theme involves exploring Darwin’s
life, the development of his theory, and
its implications
• for our understanding of evolution and
the natural world.
Darwin’s Early Life
and Education:
• Charles Darwin’s birth and upbringing in
Shrewsbury, England.
• His education at Shrewsbury School and
initial pursuit of medical studies at
Edinburgh.
• Transition to Christ’s College, Cambridge,
and his formative experiences there.
• Recommendation to Captain Fitzroy of
HMS Beagle and his appointment as the
ship’s naturalist.
• The significance of his five-year voyage on
HMS Beagle, including the collection of
geological, botanical, zoological, and
anthropological data.
The development of
Darwin’s theory
• Darwin’s early interests in geology and the
publication of ‘The Voyage of the Beagle’
in 1839.
• His marriage to Emma Wedgwood and
election to the Royal Society in 1839.
• Darwin’s observations and research in the
1840s and 1850s while studying flora and
fauna in Kent.
• The formulation of the theory of natural
selection and the private circulation of his
1844 sketch of ideas.
• The role of Alfred Russell Wallace and the
rush to publish ‘On the Origin of Species’ in
1859.
• The famous 1860 debate between Thomas
Henry Huxley and Samuel Wilberforce on
Darwinism.
• The publication of ‘The Descent of Man
and Selection in Relation to Sex’ in 1871.
Key Concepts of
Darwin’s Theory:
• Variation within species and the
concept of adaptation to the
environment.
• Reproduction and the potential for
exponential population growth.
• The role of competition for survival
and limited resources.
• The three forms of selection: natural
selection, sexual selection, and
artificial selection.
• The gradual accumulation of
advantageous variations over time.
• Darwin’s explanations for complex
organs and instincts through gradual
evolution.
Historical Context and
Influences:
• The historical context of
evolutionary thought, including
references to earlier ideas by
Empedocles, Erasmus Darwin,
and Lamarck.
• The impact of Linnaeus and his
classification system.
• The contrast between natural
selection and the creationist
views of the time.
• The role of geology and the age
of the Earth in making evolution
plausible.
The Legacy of
Darwin:

• The posthumous strengthening

of Darwin’s theory through the
discoveries of Gregor Mendel
and the understanding of
genetics.
• The role of molecular genetics
and DNA in confirming and
expanding on Darwinian
principles.
• The broader implications of
Darwin’s work on philosophy of
religion and metaphysics.
• The enduring influence of Darwin
and the continued debates
surrounding his ideas.
Conclusion
• Darwin and Natural Selection are
essential topics for undergraduate
students to gain a deep
understanding of the scientific,
historical, and philosophical aspects
of evolution.
• This theme provides a foundation for
exploring the development of
modern biology and its broader
impact on society.
Introduction
• Friedrich Nietzsche, a significant
figure in the history of
philosophy.
• His life, upbringing, and early
academic career.
• Influence of two pivotal events:
Schopenhauer’s philosophy and
meeting Richard Wagner.
• Overview of his first published
work, ‘The Birth of Tragedy’
• Nietzsche’s intellectual development
and career progression.
• Nietzsche’s Early Philosophy (1872-
1879): Untimely Meditations (or
Songs out of Season)
• Critique of David Strauss and
scientific history.
• Praise for Schopenhauer and
Wagner. b. Shift in attitudes:
• Break with Wagner and
disillusionment with Schopenhauer.
• Human, All too Human – a
transitional work emphasizing
utilitarian morality and science. c.
Writing style: Poetic and aphoristic.
• Nietzsche’s departure from academia in
1879 due to health issues.
• Nietzsche’s Pursuit of Optimism and Art
(1879-1882): a. Relocation to Italy and
Switzerland for health
Key works:
• The gay science
• Denunciation of Christian self-denial,
altruistic ethics, democratic politics, and
scientific positivism.
• The quest to ‘erect a new image and idea
of the free spirit’
• Nietzsche’s involvement in a love triangle.
Thus Spake
Zarathustra
• ‘The concept of the Ubermensch
• The transvaluation of values.
• The eternal recurrence.
• Relationship with Lou and the aphorism,
You are going among women? Do not
forget the whip’
• The prophetic and discursive nature of
the work.
The most important
philosophical works of
Nietzsche’s career.

Mature Philosophy (1886-1888):

Beyond Good and Evil (1886) and The
Genealogy of Morals (1887):
Contrast between master-morality and slave-
morality.
Prolegomena to a systematic exposition of
Nietzsche’s philosophy.
Posthumous works and incomplete
systematic exposition. The Antichrist
(published in 1895) and Nietzsche’s feverish
production in 1888.
Nietzsche’s mental
instability and
institutionalization
• Nietzsche’s Decline and Death
• Writing of Ecce Homo
• Signs of mental instability (possibly
syphilitic).
• Institutionalization in Jena (1889).
• Nietzsche eventual insanity.
Conclusion:
• Friedrich Nietzsche’s profound
influence in continental Europe and his
neglect in English-speaking philosophy.
• His complex relationship with the
Nazis.
• Revival of interest in Nietzsche among
ethicists in the analytic tradition in the