The structure of darwinian revolution

Abstract

This paper discusses the validity of the concept of «scientific revolution» coined by Kuhn in orden to explain the emergence of new scientific theories. To begin with, the tesis of the dialectic leap or discontinuity in the development of scientific theories implied in Kuhn's concept is critically revised. Subsequently the structure of «Darwinist Revolution» is examined to the purpose of demonstrating the links existing between a new scientific theory and the common stock of previous scientific — or in this case, technological knowledge— accumulated over the centuries. The author suggests that thé first milestone set by Darwin when building up his theory of evolution was the discovery of the «principle of selection» in the works of livestock breeders and vegetable farmers and that the concept of «intraspecific struggle for survival» (population pressure) applied to the principle of selection had allowed Darwin to construct the concept of «natural selection».