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Encyclopedia of Critical Psychology pp 629–634Cite as

Evolution, Overview

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Introduction

At the time of writing, the phrase “the critical analysis of evolution” is associated with projects pursued by the Discovery Institute in the USA to promote the teaching of creationist science in schools. This entry has a different purpose, in that while it is the case that “nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution” (Dobzhansky 1964, p. 449), there are still controversies among evolutionary scholars as to the exact particulars and applicability of evolutionary theory. These controversies are vitriolically dismissed by those who would regard themselves as the keepers of so-called neo-Darwinian orthodoxy. The dynamics of these disputes would make for a fascinating study in the sociology of science.

Definition

Contemporary evolutionary thought is rooted in the work of Charles Darwin (particularly 1859). Darwin’s theory is based on three propositions:

  • The potential of a population to expand is infinite, while the resources available to sustain any...

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

    Andy Lock

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  1. Andy Lock
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Correspondence to Andy Lock .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Thomas Teo

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Lock, A. (2014). Evolution, Overview. In: Teo, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Critical Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5583-7_337

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5583-7_337

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-5582-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-5583-7

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