Abstract
A review of the history and contemporary use of the terms “epigenesis”, coined by Aristotle, and “epigenetics”, proposed by the biologist C. H. Waddington in the 20th century, brings to light the tensions between the vitalist and mechanist – or epigenist and preformationist – competing tendencies in life sciences in Western culture since the 17th century. Epigenetics involves intense discussions about the limits of neo-darwinism, opening space for the influence of the “environment” in transgenerational transmission. These tensions and polemics are of great interest for the humanities, since they imply different roles for “natural” heritage in mental, social and cultural life through the development and actualization of humanity.
Keywords
anthropology of science; epigenesis; evolutionism; vitalism