L'origine de la vie chez Maupertuis et Diderot
In this research, we analyze the theoretical difference between Maupertuis and Diderot in their analysis of the living. Even though their theories seem similar on many aspects and are opposed to preformationism, they have, however, different theoretical foundations that we will explore through a debate they had. In the first chapter, we will explore preformationism. The purpose is to show the theoretical framework and its problems to understand what Maupertuis and Diderot were facing. In the second chapter, we will examine Maupertuis’ positions and his theory of living beings. We will discuss his criticisms against preformationism, his transformism and his epigenesis. Finally, we will discuss in the third chapter Diderot’s living theory and the debate he had with Maupertuis. The purpose of this paper is to show the theoretical differences between Maupertuis and Diderot concerning the living beings.
Maupertuis Diderot Philosophy Preformationism Transformism Epigenesis Materialism