Luck, or Cunning, as the Main Means of Organic Modification Part 1

Part 1 examines the philosophical foundations of evolution, focusing on Butler’s critique of Herbert Spencer and George Romanes. He frames the debate between “luck” and “cunning” as the central issue behind organic modification. By contrasting mechanistic determinism with notions of intelligence and memory within living beings, Butler argues that life cannot be explained by material causes alone. Through discussions of protoplasm and mind, he challenges the reductionist approach of contemporary science. This section sets the groundwork for his thesis that intention and consciousness play a key role in evolution.