Karl Popper and the Two new secrets of life

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The story of human and all living things' existence is traditionally told through two main narratives: the Book of Genesis and Darwin's Origin of Species. However, philosopher Karl Popper introduced a significant third perspective. His New Interpretation of Darwinism challenges the notion of blind chance and natural selection as the primary forces of evolution, instead highlighting the knowledge and activity of living beings as the true drivers of change. This reintroduction of spiritual elements into evolutionary theory positions evolution as an "adventure of the mind." In this exploration, Hans-Joachim Niemann presents Popper as a pivotal figure in the philosophy of biology. The first chapter reveals how Popper's biological interests were sparked by a 1936 meeting at a windmill in Hunstanton. The second chapter discusses 1986, when Popper summarized his lifelong biological insights in lectures, including the significant Medawar Lecture, which had been lost but is now included in the Appendix. A new worldview emerges, distinct from both Creationism and Darwinism. The final chapter reflects on Popper's biological ideas in light of modern molecular biology, affirming his critiques of long-standing evolutionary dogmas. This new biology supports Popper's vision of life driven by knowledge and activity, leaving the origins of these qualities a compelling mystery for future research.