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5 Impact of the idea
Perhaps the most radical claim of Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection is that "elaborately constructed forms, so different from each other, and dependent on each other in so complex a manner" have evolved out of the simplest forms of life and according to a few simple principles.
It is this fundamental claim that has inspired some of Darwin's most ardent supporters--and that has provoked the most profound opposition. Some groups prefer to believe in divine intervention or guidance of the process, such as those favoring the Intelligent design school of thought. In addition, many theories of Artificial selection have been proposed to suggest that economic or social fitness factors assessed by other humans or their built environments are somehow biological or inevitable - Social Darwinism. Others held that there was an evolution of societies analogous to that of species. Darwin's ideas, along with those of Freud and Marx, are considered by most historians to have had a profound influence on 19th century thought, and to have challenged the rationalist and religious fundamentalist schools of thought that prevailed in Europe.
6 See also
7 External links
Selection
