Abstract
Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913) is best known for his independent formulation of the principle of natural selection. In this work I first review my understanding of Wallace’s intellectual development on this subject, including the notion that he had no model for the evolution of higher consciousness as of his first treatment of natural selection in 1858. This leads to some conclusions about his approach to the subject, and links to parallel ideas inherent in the philosophy of Baruch de Spinoza (1632-1677).
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Biology | Communication | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Life Sciences | Philosophy | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Smith, Charles H., "Alfred Russel Wallace Notes 33. The Story in Evolution." (2024). Faculty/Staff Personal Papers. Paper 351.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/fac_staff_papers/351
Included in
Biology Commons, Communication Commons, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Philosophy Commons