On The Influence Of Hume 's Thought On Darwin' S "Biological Common Origin"

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence that David Hume thought have on Charles Darwin’s theory of “Common Descent of Animal”. The theory of Natural Selection which is more cruel is Charles Darwin’ theory. What’s more, his theory also has the emotional side, mainly summed up as his “Common Descent of Animal” which explore the emotional similarity between human and animals. This kind of emotional similarity which was considered by Hume is the most significant characteristic to the theory. If so, then, whether there is some relationship between Darwin’s theory and Hume thought ? This article is trying to make positive answer on this question.This article mainly consists of four parts, the main points are as follows: The introduction section mainly introduces the possibility and basis of the influence that David Hume thought have on Charles’ s Darwin’ theory of “Common Descent of Animal”. Then, it introduces the research status at home and abroad. The first chapter clarifies the theory’s definition and the theory basis. The second chapter examines the influence respectively: From the unpublished and published books and the similarity thought of Darwin and Hume, to examine Hume’s contribution to the context of idea and issues which engendered Darwin’s theory of “Common Descent of Animal”. The last part of the article pointed out: In the 19 th century, Hume is not the only one who Influenced Darwin. His theory may be influenced by others. Through the comparison of the similarity between their ideas for the problem, in combination with Hume’s attention to the humanity, Skepticism of religion and arguments of the similarity of emotion and between human and animals in the early days. It can be concluded that Hume thought have an impact on the theory of “Common Descent of Animal" at least.