Expert: Alex Wilding - 5/28/2009

Question
Given biological Darwinism challenged salvation and eternal life, grand design in the making of nature, and humans the result of perfect design and having dominion over nature.

Given social Darwinism stipulates the principles of competition, selection and survival of ideas that has benefited human groups or nations, and has driven social evolution in human societies.

Can you please tell me what was the Buddhists’ response to Biological and Social Darwinism, in countries where they are majority in number, and countries where they are a minority?
Preferably in countries that have had religious freedom since the publication of “The Origin of Species” in 1859.

For example did it lead to:
- Greater disturbance of faith through conflict with science, and the loss of followers?
- Greater combination of science and religion, and increase in belief of followers?,
- Greater increased exposure to criticism by other religions, and greater conflict?
- Greater interfaith activities based on trust, respect and understanding, and greater alliance?

I appreciate if you can recommend website(s) you are aware that cover this area


Answer
Dear Pja,
Your question itself raises further questions.
Firsly, what do you mean by "Darwinism"? Do you just refer to evoloution in general, or to evolution through natural selection of essentially random variations?

You open with a list of things - "salvation and eternal life, grand design in the making of nature, and humans the result of perfect design and having dominion over nature" - that you say are challenged by Darwinianism. That may be true, but not one of those ideas is supported by Buddhism in the first place. There is nothing much to say.

"Social Darwinism" is a vague term at best, describing a number of lines of thinking with only the loosest of connections to the scientific study of evolution. I have no particular expertise in that field, and do not particularly seek to acquire it.

I am not under the impression that either the scientific study of evolution or the ideologies that call themselves "social Darwinism" have had much impact on Buddhism at all, nor do I see why they should.

You will not be surprised, therefore, when I say that whereas, if you dig around, you may well find Buddhists here or there who have given thought to these issues, my impression is that the response to all of your four examples is a resounding "not particularly".

I hope that helps.