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The Problem of Evolution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2024

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It may be an exaggeration to say that a reappraisal of the concept of evolution is taking place. But it cannot be denied that in the last few years a number of extremely important studies have given new formulations to some of the fundamental questions concerning the rhythm, structure and meaning of biological evolution. It might be of interest, therefore, to discuss the present state of these problems and to indulge in some critical considerations regarding them.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1954 Fédération Internationale des Sociétés de Philosophie / International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP)

References

1 A phylum is a group of organisms of common origin whose progressive divergences are traced in evolution.

2 Cf. especially Rythmes et modalités de l'Évolution, Albin Michel, 1950, pp. 350.

3 L'Évolution biologique. Paris: Masson Ed., 1951, pp. 392, 197 figs.

4 Germ cells are autonomous male and female reproductory cells in the organisms (or soma) which produce them, and which contain the heriditary material.

5 Orthogenesis is the process by which a certain number of characteristics are modified in evolution in the same direction and according to a principle of increasing unity.

6 Mutant race.

7 Primitive race.

8 L'Espèce, Doin Ed.

9 The first kind concerns only the details of organisation of individuals within the species; the second fixes within each individual the general characteristics of organisation which deter mine the structure of the species.

10 'Essai sur quelques problèmes concernants le normal et le pathologique', Les Belles Lettres, 1943, pp. 157.

11 Payot Ed., 1951, pp. 319.