Evolution : Introduction

Hard SF : Evolution : Introduction

I would not have imagined that this site would get a section devoted to the issue of evolution. However, recent surveys have not only shown a disturbingly large part of the US population does not accept evolution, but also shows the percentage has risen significantly since 1994. For the Harris Poll results see: http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=581

Most likely, readers at this site do not need to be convinced that evolution theory is the closest approximation to the truth we have today. However, some readers may want to look over some additional thoughts on the subject or could use some ideas on how to present the issues to others.

Those who want to look into books and articles can check the links / resources section of this site.

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To begin with, I would propose the following points:

  1. Public policy / schools and citizens should base "official science" on the prevailing perspective of the appropriate scientific discipline. Schools and citizens should NOT have abandoned Newton's physics as soon as Einstein published his papers, but only after Einstein's theories became accepted by a decisive part of the physics community. (So, this is not just a question of religion.)
  2. Scientific challenges that cast doubt on this or that element of evolution theory can provide hints at avenues for further studies. However, evolution theory should stand until another theory with a better foundation of evidence is identified. The fact that John Smith can point to a legitimate flaw in a prevailing scientific theory does not mean that John Smith's pet theory is better.
  3. "Intelligent Designer" is a code-word for divine creator. After all, if the Intelligent Designer could be a material being without a "designer", why couldn't we? If the Designer is not a creator and the universe can exist without a creator, why is the development of humans from the Earth more incredible than the universe appearing unassisted out of nothingness? The fact that some working under the Intelligent Designer code-word are going around concealing their true nature is not a positive sign. This is not how we want scientists to operate. Legitimate questions they may raise about evolution does not constitute evidence of their theory.
  4. The fact that evolution theory is incomplete and still needs work does not mean it is essentially wrong. Many scientific disciplines (physics, medicine, etc.) have known "problem areas", but that does not mean they will be scrapped rather than modified.