Owenian Pieces in the Darwinian Puzzle
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/asclepio.2020.26Keywords:
Richard Owen, Charles Darwin, Homologies, Scientific Revolution, Darwinian Revolution, PrecursorAbstract
In this paper we discuss the extent of influence that Richard Owen’s thinking had on Charles Darwin’s thinking. In addition, we will try to show the heterogeneousness of this influence, which goes from specific theories to rhetorical turns. This influence is in many cases underestimated, giving the impression that the Darwinian novelty consisted solely in looking with unprejudiced eyes at what others had not seen. This vision is unfair to Owen, and to the conceptual effort carried out by Darwin with the pieces offered by his predecessors. Finally, this is an interesting case to understand the kind of novelty brought by scientific revolutions and the sophisticated way in which such novelty is based on the work of previous approaches.
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Funding data
Universidad Nacional de Quilmes
Grant numbers PUNQ 1401/15
Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica
Grant numbers PICT 2018-3454;PICT-2014-1741
Universidad de Buenos Aires
Grant numbers UBACyT 20020170200106BA
