Evolution according Dobzhansky: creationism, linearity and progress

Abstract

This article presents a documentary analysis about Dobzhansky’s understanding, presented in various places, of evolution and related ideas. This analysis is undertaken in order to argue that his famous phrase, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution”, should not be considered adequate, but on the contrary. In particular, it is proposed to re-evaluate this slogan since Dobzhansky displayed a problematic understanding of evolution, especially when he made philosophical reflections on the subject, and when he tried to explain it on the basis of his religious beliefs. The article shows that Dobzhansky supported his idea of evolution based on notions such as progress, perfection, linearity and creation, and he conceived of the “man” as the pinnacle of the evolutionary ladder. So, it is suggested that it is not appropriate to defend Dobzhansky’s sentence, since how he understands evolution is understood is highly debatable.