Sunday, 20 October 2013

Arguments Against Evolution In Schools

By Elena McDowell


Both academics and religious people are actively involved in the on going dispute of creationism and the arguments against evolution. This debate has been going on for over a hundred years and seems no closer to being settled than when it began. The main problem is that both sides are committed to their beliefs and on many occasions are simply unwilling to really listen to each other.

The majority of the Western world believed in creationism until the work of Charles Darwin was published in 1859. English scientist Darwin wrote his famous book On the Origin of the Species after many years of work. He was in fact quite hesitant to publish it as he was well aware of the controversy it would generate. Darwin was from a family of religious background and had almost become a member of the clergy himself.

The entire basis of evolution is that every organism and species on the planet goes through genetic changes. These changes may or may not even be visible, but they will give certain individuals a slight advantage over others. If the environment supports the survival of those with certain traits, they will flourish whilst others will die out.

Although Darwin did not understand genetics, he was able to observe the results of random genetic mutation. These mutations occur naturally through out all species. If a certain mutation allows an animal to prosper in a particular environment, those with the adaptation are more likely to prosper than those without. This notion has been exaggerated and in many cases is erroneously responsible for individual beliefs about evolution.

Despite his findings, Darwin was reluctant to publish his work. He was from a very religious family and knew that his work would be offensive to many of his family and friends. He was also very aware that it would present a whole new theory that would contradict the creationism theory that was dominant at the time. Darwin did not seek the limelight and was happy to live in obscurity at his English country home. By finally publishing his book, his name has been forever linked with the new theory.

From a scientific perspective the ideas of evolution are often misunderstood. It is basically the scientific term that refers to genetic changes over the years and generations. There is no specific goal in mind, other than survival. This in itself contradicts the development of humans as a group that has the ability to think, reason and shape their environment.

One of the major arguments of the creationists is that many organisms on earth have not evolved beyond a basic one celled creature. This would seem to indicate that there is no defined purpose to the theory. Whereas the ideas of creation point to a clear purpose for people to learn and embrace their spiritual and religious destiny.

The arguments against evolution will continue until both sides find a way to reconcile their beliefs. Both are very committed to their own views and find it hard to consider the others perspective. In addition, the evidence given as proof is often not conclusive. There is always room for a personal interpretation of events and this adds more fuel to the controversy.




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