Fact, Theory, Theories of Evolution before Darwin and Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

The primary concern of the present article is facts and theories on the issue of evolution and secondly, ‘the fact of evolution’ and ‘the theory of evolution’ are analysed in detail; the differences between the two are clarified; then the theories of evolution by philosophers of nature from the period of classical Greek nature philosophers to the time of those who preceded Darwin. Later, Darwin’s theory of evolution, which was put forth by this eminent man of science in relation to the fact of evolution, is examined from various points of view. The heart of the article is concerned with the comparison between Aristotle’s understanding of evolution and that of Darwin. In other words, the reason why Aristotle, who had noticed and stated the fact of evolution hundreds of years before Darwin did, preferred concealing the fact he had discovered by remaining silent is the main argument. Eventually, Darwin’s theory of evolution and the dimensions of the confusion the theory created among men of science when it was first established are discussed in detail and the result reached is given