The concept of nature in On the origin of species

The main issue in the theory of the origin of species through natural selection, according to Charles Darwin, is the attempt to enlighten the mystery of the origin of species, by showing how it takes place. When analyzing Darwin's works, their different aspects and versions, we come across a certain view of nature that sustains and clarifies our search. In this article, we try to examine this view, as well as the epistemological and ontological support it gives to Darwin's investigation and to his thesis that natural selection, among other factors, has been the most important 'means of modification', the prevailing 'power of changing, the 'principle' in nature according to which new species are originated. When analyzing the definitions and various connotations there are for 'nature' in his book, we find the necessary articulation between the two pillars 'nature' and 'natural selection', which is present in Darwin's concept of 'struggle for existence' and reflected in the logical and conceptual structure of his work.

Darwinian theory; nature; natural selection; Charles Darwin