Destructive Interference: The Evolution of "Lamarckism"

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• INTRODUCTION
• HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
• STRICT LAMARCKISM: THE INFLUENCE OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE FOUR EVOLUTIONARY LAWS
• THE EVOLUTION OF “LAMARCKISM”
• MODERN LAMARCKIAN CLAIMS IN PERSPECTIVE
• CONCLUSION

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between contemporary ‘Lamarckian’ discoveries and the views which Lamarck himself actually held. It also explores the conceptual interplay between modern Lamarckian claims and Lamarck's actual beliefs and publications.

• The evolution of the term “Lamarckism” from 1809 to the present
• The distinction between traditional Lamarckian inheritance and modern ‘Neo-Lamarckian’ inheritance
• The influence of the scientific environment on the understanding and reception of Lamarck’s ideas
• The impact of Lamarck’s “general theory” on contemporary biological thought
• The role of “destructive interference” in shaping the interpretation of Lamarck’s work

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The paper begins with an introduction that highlights the enduring debate surrounding Lamarckian modes of inheritance and their relationship to the Darwinian paradigm. It argues that the current understanding of Lamarckism is often based on misconceptions and a lack of clarity.

Chapter 2, “Historical Overview,” provides historical context for Lamarck’s theory, outlining his contributions to biology and evolution and the reception of his work by contemporaries. The chapter examines the distortions and misinterpretations of Lamarck’s ideas, setting the stage for the subsequent analysis of the evolution of “Lamarckism.”

Chapter 3, “Strict Lamarckism: The Influence of Circumstances and the Four Evolutionary Laws,” delves into Lamarck’s specific claims about inheritance and evolution. It focuses on his belief that organisms adapt to their environment through the inheritance of acquired characteristics and the role of “the influence of circumstances” in shaping these adaptations. The chapter outlines Lamarck's four evolutionary laws.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper explores the evolution of the term “Lamarckism” and the ongoing debate surrounding Lamarckian inheritance. Key themes include: Lamarckian inheritance, Darwinian paradigm, somatic mutations, adaptations, influence of circumstances, acquired characteristics, historical context, scientific environment, “general theory,” biological thought, destructive interference, and Neo-Lamarckism.