Neo-scholastic reception of the theory of evolution in Poland (1900-1939) in the context of the relations between science and religion

Abstract

Encyclical 'Aeterni Patris' of Leo XIII (1879) caused significant development of neo-scholastic movement in Poland in the beginning of 20th century. This movement was strongly influenced by philosophers from Louvain (Leuven). The struggles between German monists and Jesuit Erich Wasmann in the years 1905-1907 inspired Polish neo-scholastics to take a stand in philosophical discussions about the theory of evolution. The aim of this paper is to show how Polish neo-scholastics resolved problems of relations between 'fides' and 'ratio' with respect to the theory of evolution. In this paper there are presented some ideas of such philosophers as Franciszek Gabryl (1866-1914), Kazimierz Wais(1865-1934), Feliks Hortynski SJ (1869-1927) and Konstanty Michalski (1879-1947). Their ideas show how philosophical, historical and sociological background of the theory of evolution's reception in Poland looked like.
Encyclical 'Aeterni Patris' of Leo XIII (1879) caused significant development of neo-scholastic movement in Poland in the beginning of 20th century. This movement was strongly influenced by philosophers from Louvain (Leuven). The struggles between German monists and Jesuit Erich Wasmann in the years 1905-1907 inspired Polish neo-scholastics to take a stand in philosophical discussions about the theory of evolution. The aim of this paper is to show how Polish neo-scholastics resolved problems of relations between 'fides' and 'ratio' with respect to the theory of evolution. In this paper there are presented some ideas of such philosophers as Franciszek Gabryl (1866-1914), Kazimierz Wais(1865-1934), Feliks Hortynski SJ (1869-1927) and Konstanty Michalski (1879-1947). Their ideas show how philosophical, historical and sociological background of the theory of evolution's reception in Poland looked like.