PROBLEMS OF PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCE 75 practice itself, it is observed that no branch of human knowledge is free from the impact of philosophical debates concerning scientific discoveries. When the results of natural scientific investigation are comprehended in terms of their own interconnections to arrive at a systematic view of nature, a contradictory tendency is observed. On the one hand, the dialectical character of these interconnections forces itself, much against their will, on the metaphysically trained natural scientists, and on the other, idealist and pessimistic world-views are resurrected and promoted. Claiming to be based on the findings of science, these views proceed with a critique that sets limits on the range of science itself. The anti-materialist and anti-dialectical character of several theories being propounded is more than obvious. The scientific outlook of Marxism is sought to be presented as outdated and incapable of coping with contemporary findings of the natural sciences. This systemetic attempt to downgrade the Marxist outlook is not restricted to natural science. It is observed in all areas of human activity. Reality is presented as beyond human comprehension and control. Marxism is the basis of the social movement for changing a given reality by comprehending it scientifically. A live people's movement cannot grow and strengthen itself ideologically without grappling with the issues thrown up by recent scientific discoveries. The following broad areas are being suggested for the Indian School's debate on the problems of philosophy and science. Origin of Life and Evolution Great strides have been made in the investigation of the origin of life, scientists having reached certain ^floor-level5 agreements, that is, on certain principles, basically those relating to abiotic origin. However, in details regarding actual stages and development, wide differences of opinion still persist. It will be a fruitful venture to start with a dialectical materialistic or scientific inquiry into the various schools. The principle of evolution seems to be generally accepted though American school textbooks are going back on Darwin to put God above him. However, there are difficulties regarding the causes of evolution. Among the well-known formulae are natural selection and survival of the fittest: Jacques Monod's view is that everything is "chance', the result of fortuitous mutation. However, the probability of a cumulative chance mutation chain starting from the first living cell to the present-day living kingdom including man, is as good as zero. Can such a play of chance give a direction to evolution? But, then, is there any direction at all in evolution? Engels in the Role Played by Labour in Transition from Ape to Man projects two important views about the physiological changes that have occurred in the structure of(l) the human hand due to use of tools in