Philosophy of Evolution: Anti-Mechanicism

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The Neo-Scholastics formulate the question about Mechanicism.
 
 

The general question asks whether Mechanicism, which asserts the essence and activity of corporal bodies can only be explained by extension and local motion, is an adequate theory to explain Evolutionism? Mechanicism holds universal Evolutionism arises from materialistic merism (only matter exists) which establishes that from primitive monads, infinitely modified by the local motion of mechanical forces, all beings have their beginnings.36 Question one: is there "more" activity than only extrinsic local motion in corporal bodies? Question two: are there "intrinsic" locomotive powers? Question three: are there corporal activities which produce motion and are "distinct" from mere local motion? If the answer to all these questions is in the affirmative, then Evolutionism is incompatible with the theory that asserts these negative positions, which is Mechanicism.

Author:  John Edward Mulvihill, S.T.D., D.Min., Ph.D.
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