"Darwin investigated the numerous facts obtained by naturalists in living nature and analysed them through the prism of practical experience"
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The quote credited to Trofim Lysenko gives us a succinct overview of Charles Darwin's methodological technique to scientific query, particularly in the world of biology. Lysenko highlights 2 critical elements of Darwin's method: the empirical collection of data by naturalists and the subsequent analysis of these findings through useful, experiential lenses.
Firstly, the "many truths obtained by naturalists" talks to Darwin's reliance on empirical evidence gathered from substantial observations of living organisms in their natural environments. Biologists of Darwin's age, including Darwin himself, conducted comprehensive studies and gathered large amounts of data on the variety of life. This involved cataloging types, observing their behaviors, and noting their variations. The emphasis on "many truths" underscores the breadth and depth of information required to draw trustworthy conclusions about biological processes.
The 2nd part of the quote, "evaluated them through the prism of useful experience", describes the interpretive procedure Darwin utilized once this data was collected. Darwin did not merely accept observations at face value; instead, he contextualized them within more comprehensive biological and ecological frameworks. The phrase "prism of useful experience" recommends that Darwin applied a pragmatic, experiential filter to his analysis. This indicates that he used sensible thinking, tested hypotheses, and drew from his own experiences-- such as his voyage on the HMS Beagle-- to critically assess and manufacture the observed phenomena.
Furthermore, this method permitted Darwin to develop his groundbreaking theory of natural choice. By systematically analyzing empirical information and assessing it within the context of inherent and environmental pressures on living organisms, Darwin had the ability to propose a coherent and advanced description for the processes guiding development and adaptation.
In summary, the quote encapsulates Darwin's double reliance on extensive empirical information collection and extensive experiential analysis, which together formed the foundation of his evolutionary theory. Lysenko's framing of Darwin's technique serves to emphasize the value of both observational evidence and experiential analysis in scientific expedition.
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