The intellectuals and naturalists who have considered evolution through the ages have been influenced by the philosophical movements of through history. Materialism emphasizes the physical world and is the philosophy that matter is the only thing in the universe which has reality. Matter is, therefore, the basis of all that exists.
Classicism contrasts with romanticism, which often was a revolt against classicism.
The romantic movement occurred in the 1700's - mid 1800's. Schools of Thought Ideas about evolution existed long before Charles Darwin even appeared on the face of the Earth. Concerned with material change, and produced first ideas about processes of evolution. Thus, his ideas presaged the concept of adaptation. He apparently had a general understanding of the fundamental aspects of natural selection and adaptation, but he did not understand the mechanism.