Psyc 210

Activity Four

This week we you should focus on the following study questions and be sure to post your thoughts on a good answer for at only one of them:

1. Discuss the intellectual and personal background to Darwin's theory of evolution. In doing so, provide examples of how such ideas have contributed to the various aspects of Darwin's theory. Also discuss the implications to psychology that result from these ideas.

2. Discuss the most important ways in which Darwin's perspective differs from the other "Darwinists" of his time? Which of these perspectives best fits the goals of psychology that you would choose? Why?

Key Concepts: Scala naturae, Materialism, Reductionism, Adaptations, Acquired Inheritance, Artificial Selection, Natural Selection, Positive Eugenics, Faculty Psychology, Epigenetics.

Make a post on the discussion board showing the points you have as an answer and also be sure to reply to at least one other person's post.