This blog post explores whether scientific knowledge is closely interconnected by examining the process of solving the Poincaré Conjecture. In ‘The Structure of Scientific Revolutions,’ author Thomas Kuhn argued that scientific theories are not continuous, do not develop gradually, and their direction is not the pursuit of truth. This caused significant ripples among many scientists...
The Speed and Direction of Evolution: Why Did Dawkins and Gould Hold Different Perspectives?
This blog post compares the evolutionary approaches of Richard Dawkins and Stephen Jay Gould, exploring why they held differing views on the speed and direction of evolution. This book creates a fictional debate using the opposing views of Richard Dawkins and Stephen Jay Gould on Darwin’s theory of evolution. Richard Dawkins wields the powerful weapon of ‘The Selfish Gene’ to explain...
Selfish Genes and Evolution: Gradual or Stochastic Equilibrium?
In this blog post, we’ll look at Richard Dawkins’ theory of the selfish gene and discuss whether evolution is driven by gradual selection or has a stochastic equilibrium nature. In his perhaps most famous book, The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins argued that natural selection takes place in units called “selfish genes.” In his other book, The Blind Watchman, Dawkins states that...
Can all human behavior be determined by genes?
This blog post examines theories arguing that human behavior is determined by genes, focusing on Richard Dawkins’ theory of the selfish gene, and discusses its limitations and counterarguments. Our lives have always been, and always will be, determined solely by genes. Everything we thought we chose by our own will was actually manipulated by the genes inside my body. We are merely...
On the Origin of Species (Survival of the Fittest: Is It the Principle of All Life’s Evolution?)
In this blog post, we examine Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest through ‘On the Origin of Species’ and discuss whether evolution remains a valid principle for life’s evolution. ‘On the Origin of Species’ is the book containing Darwin’s theory that all living things evolve according to the principle of survival of the fittest. The publication of this book, which...
What lessons does Arnold J. Toynbee’s theory of civilization offer modern society?
This blog post examines Arnold J. Toynbee’s theory of civilization and discusses how his ‘Challenge and Response’ theory can be applied in modern society. British historian Arnold J. Toynbee, in publishing ‘A Study of History’, established civilization—not the nation-state—as the fundamental unit of historical inquiry. He argued that even though Britain was geographically separated...
Conjectures and Refutations (The Role of Conjectures in Karl Popper’s Theory Formation)
This blog post examines why Karl Popper emphasized the importance of conjecture in the process of theory formation and how his definition of observation influenced his argument. It analyzes the difference between Popper’s observational inference and direct observation, exploring the meaning of theory development through the interaction between the role of observation and conjecture. ...
Status Anxiety (What is the nature of the social status anxiety that shakes me, and what is the solution?)
In this blog post, we explore the causes of the social status anxiety that shakes me and its solutions through Alain de Botton’s ‘Status Anxiety’. Motivation for Reading Status Anxiety I read this book when I transitioned from student life into society, moving from the consumer class to the producer class. I encountered it at a time when I needed to become financially independent...
Is life truly nothing more than a machine for the survival of genes?
This blog post critically examines whether life is merely a means for the survival of genes, focusing on ‘The Selfish Gene’. What is the reason for human existence? What is the origin of humankind, and what is the meaning of living? Countless thinkers and philosophers have debated and researched these questions over the centuries. Notable theories include the multiregional origin...
Why do George Gissing’s essays move readers?
George Gissing’s essays capture his impoverished scholarly life and deep affection for nature. With a restrained yet mature pen, he portrays life’s suffering and ideals, offering readers empathy and profound emotion. George Gissing’s “The Spring Beauty” is originally the first part of his long essay “The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft.” This memoir is the...