| There is such a word as evolutionism, but it does not refer to the modern theories of evolution. It doesn't even refer to Darwin's original theories, i.e., Darwinism. Evolutionism is an historical concept and carries the concept of progress and intrinsic improvement through time. In fact, during Victorian times, when Darwin lived, the word evolution had such a connotation, even to the extent that it carried meaning in social contexts (as per Spencer). That is why Darwin objected to the use of the word as applied to his theories. The only use of any form of the word by Darwin was in the last paragraph of Origin, in the famous "There is grandeur in this view of life,...".
For the above reasons, use of the word evolutionism does not refer to the modern theories of biological evolution. If there were such a class, the proper department would not be science but philosophy.
On the other hand, Darwinism refers to the theories developed by Darwin, and neo-Darwinism the synthesis of genetics and Darwinism.
As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion;...
--From Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli passed unanimously by the Senate 1797 |