Darwin - only had a degree in theology? and disliked the scientific process?

Question

While he was not the first to consider that we came from diferent species, why is he considered the pioneer?

Answer 1

I do not know about that but I do know that he questioned his own theories and admitted that there were many unsolved questions regarding his research. Read the Enchanted Loom or look up
Origin of Species, 1902, Part 2, p. 54.

The New Evolutionary Timetable states: “The record now reveals that species typically survive for a hundred thousand generations, or even a million or more, without evolving very much. . . . After their origins, most species undergo little evolution before becoming extinct.”

For example, insects appeared in the fossil record suddenly and plentifully, without any evolutionary ancestors. Nor have they changed much even down to this day. Regarding the finding of a fossil fly that was labeled “40 million years old,” Dr. George Poinar, Jr., said: “The internal anatomy of these creatures is remarkably similar to what you find in flies today. The wings and legs and head, and even the cells inside, are very modern-looking.” And a report in The Globe and Mail of Toronto commented: “In 40 million years of struggling up the evolutionary ladder, they have made almost no discernible progress.”

Answer 2

I think it has to do with the way he expressed his thoughts on evolution. It is one thing to think it and write a paper or such and quite another to decide to take on the establishment and go out and find a way to prove that we came from another species. That is what Darwin didand why he is considered a pioneer in the area of human evolution.

Answer 3

He was the first to develop the theory of natural selection. As a theory, Evolution had been around for many years before Darwin, but he explained a plausible mechanism by which it could occur.

Many of the great natural scientists of the nineteenth century had theological degrees: employment in the Anglican Church was seen as a good way to have the spare time to pursue scientific interests.

Answer 4

While that was his degree- he studied botany diligently with the worlds top experts prior to his departure on the HMS Beagle. It's a fascinating story of hard work and dedication. He was a brilliant, incredibly hard working guy. Read about his adventure- it's amazing.

He didn't invent evolution, but He wrote the book and backed it up.

Answer 5

Because he was the first to publish. That's how it works.

150 years ago, we didn't enough about science to make everyone get a Ph.D. in the field before working in it. Now, there's pretty much nothing you can do without a Ph.D. - because it takes 10 years to find out what's already beeen done.

Answer 6

Becuase, even though he was a religious man, and at first thought he'd made a mistake, he was the most well-know of the scientists to speculate on this. He was also in a time of scientific discovery.

Answer 7

He did steal a little credit from others, but he was the first to put it all together. It's been modified over the years, but his basic theories are still valid.

Answer 8

he made it believable to a population of people who thought that the moon was a source of light.

a degree in theology gives him alot of credibility, do you have one? didnt think so.

disagreeing with the scientific process has nothing to do with his credibility as a pioneer.

Answer 9

Right place at the right time. Alfred Russel Wallace also had a very similar theory at the same time, but you probably have never heard his name.

Answer 10

I know! Not to mention that the many scientists that came after took his work forward in leaps and bounds.... and where exactly do we hear about them in school?