Ultradarwinismo em K. R. Popper e B. F. Skinner

Abstract

The theory of natural selection as one of the causal processes of Darwin s theory of evolution has impacted on fields of knowledge far beyond natural sciences. This extension the employment of the logic of selection in psychology and philosophy, as can be found in Popper and Skinner is usually defined as ultra-Darwinism. Darwin s ideas and their impact following the publication of The Origin of Species were approached through Ernst Mayr interpretation. The objectives of this study were: (1) to show Darwin s influence on the works of Popper and Skinner; and (2) to present a brief comparison between Popper and Skinner s points of view concerning with the fate of societies. The method employed was an aporetic one. The main results were: (1) The logic of selection makes it possible to find common epistemological features in the works of Popper and Skinner; (2) both authors hold that scientific knowledge is a means for the investigation of culture and cultural planning; (3) both authors agree that essentialistic theoretical beliefs are an obstacle for technological advances and cause of delay in the development of civilization; (4) they are contemporary with events of worldwide impact brought about by mankind throughout the twentieth century that had a great impact on their works.