Neoevolution
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 A model of cultural evolution associated with Leslie White and Julian Steward that seeks to define the forces that cause cultures to change. uncountable
"That readaptation has involved the incorporation of ideas not given explicit emphasis in neoevolution, the most important of which is systems theory."
- 2 The elaboration of Darwin's theory of evolution that incorporates knowledge about genetics. uncountable
"In W. Roux' theory of neoevolution, the “mosaic theory” of development, the ordered structure of the adult organism is projected back upon the egg, each part of which represents the primordium of a corresponding part of the adult."
- 3 Any of various theories, such as intelligent design, that seek to reconcile Darwinian evolution with Christian theology. uncountable
"Sceptics like this, while human nature lasts, there will always be—men who, like Holy Church, "willingly are ignorant of" the plain outstanding facts of evolution, and most particularly of that plain outstanding fact in neoevolution, psychological parthenogenesis, the “second birth" of John iii, 3–10, as a fool's substitute for which arose the world-wide conventional myth of “virgin birth" which, in its rôle of Antichrist, has succeeded in postponing for some nineteen centuries the consummation of that final evolutionary phenomenon in man called "Christ.""
- 4 Any of various theories that examine the alteration or enhancement of humanity as a result of technology and/or cultural adaptation. uncountable
"If civilization had broken the hold of the old logic of scarcity, had set aside all limits to growth, had embraced chaos and celebrated disequilibrium, and had appropriated nature's biology as neobiology and evolution as neoevolution, vanguard cyberenthusiasts went still further."
Example
More examples"That readaptation has involved the incorporation of ideas not given explicit emphasis in neoevolution, the most important of which is systems theory."
Etymology
From neo- + evolution.
More for "neoevolution"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.