The theory of spontaneous generation, or abiogenesis, was proposed by which philosopher?

• A. Aristotle
• B. Pasteur
• C. Jenner
• D. Lister

Answer: (A)

Spontaneous generation, or abiogenesis, is the ancient idea that life can arise from nonliving matter under certain conditions. The philosopher who first argued this view in a systematic way was Aristotle, who suggested that living forms could emerge from decaying matter without the need for preexisting organisms. This idea dominated for centuries until later experiments challenged it. Pasteur’s famous work showed that microorganisms come from other microorganisms in the air, not from nonliving matter, providing strong evidence for biogenesis. Jenner and Lister are known for vaccines and antiseptic methods, not for proposing life arising from inanimate sources. So this is best attributed to Aristotle.