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According to Rachels' assessment, which of the following statements best characterizes the relationship between Darwinism (i.e., Darwinian evolutionary theory) and the Doctrine of Human Dignity?

A) Darwinism supports the Doctrine of Human Dignity
B) Darwinism is neutral toward the Doctrine of Human Dignity
C) Darwinism undermines the Doctrine of Human Dignity
D) Darwinism and the Doctrine of Human Dignity are unrelated

User Dziugas
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Final answer:

Darwinism, as misrepresented by Social Darwinism, undermines the Doctrine of Human Dignity (C). This resulted from the incorrect application of Darwin's evolutionary concepts to justify social inequalities, although Darwin's original biological theory does not address human moral values.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to James Rachels', evaluation of the relationship between Darwinian evolutionary theory and the Doctrine of Human Dignity, one could argue that Darwinism, through a misunderstanding that led to Social Darwinism, undermines the Doctrine of Human Dignity (C). Darwin's original theory, promoting natural selection and descent with modification, does not intrinsically address human value or dignity. However, Social Darwinism, an ideology that emerged from a distorted interpretation of Darwin's work, used the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to justify social inequalities and class distinctions, reducing the inherent dignity attributed to all humans regardless of social status or racial/ethnic backgrounds.

Political philosophers like Herbert Spencer and proponents like William Graham Sumner interpreted natural selection as applicable to societal structures, mistakenly attributing success in society to biological superiority. Despite Darwinism being neutral or unrelated to moral doctrines, the misuse of Darwin's theory to justify social hierarchies and injustice reflects a negative relationship with the Doctrine of Human Dignity. It's crucial to differentiate between Darwin's scientific contributions to biology and the misguided socio-political ideologies that arose from them.

User Exoboy
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