| Abstrakt: |
This paper analyses the rebirth of idealistic morphology in the works of one of its most prominent representatives, the German palaeontologist and morphologist EDGAR DACQUÉ (1878-1945). The influential research program of the idealistic morphology in the first half of the 19th century was based on the concept of an ideal connection existing between various living beings and manifesting itself in a ‘Bauplan’ (structural design) or ‘Typus’ (type). These principles experienced a powerful revival, especially in the palaeontological and philosophical work of Dacqué in the first half of the 20th century. Dacqué left a significant scientificempirical heritage. His theories were awarded as the supreme manifestation of the idealistic morphology. His methodology and ‘Weltanschauung’ provoked serious critical attacks and lead to a scientific isolation of his point of view, but significantly influenced contemporary debates concerning evolutionary issues. Here Dacqué is labelled as one of the most straightforward idealistic morphologists, because he consistently developed the conception of the “ideal” nature of evolution. |
