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From Evolutionism to Monism : Haeckel's Evolution Story

Publication at Faculty of Science |
2017

Abstract

Ernst Haeckel's (1834-1919) position, which combined evolutionism and monism, draws attention to an evolutionary lineage leading from inorganic nature all the way to humans. At its core is a conviction that the world, in the sense of God-Nature, should be treated as one whole and the history of creation as a natural story that includes all areas of life, including culture.

This chapter presents Haeckel's concept of a monist nature, based on both Darwinism and pantheism. Its importance lies not only in the application of knowledge coming from biology to cultural life and attempts to reform it, but also in Haeckel's formulation of and vehement efforts to spread a natural science-based monist religion.