Unguided evolution
From RationalWiki
Unguided evolution is the idea implicit in the normal usage of the term evolution. The principle merely states that evolution is guided by one simple principle: live long enough to reproduce. Neither nature nor the process of evolution and natural selection care what reproduces or how, and there is no ultimate form of life that is the "target" of all this reproduction, mutation, and selection.
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[edit] Unguided evolution and creationism
One of the major problems that creationists have with evolution is that it suggests that humans are not the "goal" of evolution, just a happy, or not, by-product of billions of years of mutation and natural selection that has managed to survive long enough to breed. The suggestion that we are not "special" is more than some people can bear, and so they seek comfort in alternatives.
[edit] Alternatives
One alternative is the total denial of evolution in favour of more divine intervention. Evidence for this divine intervention as a replacement for the cold, harsh reality of evolution by natural selection often comes purely in the form of: "The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it." This is a common phrase that seems difficult, if not impossible, to deal with because of the almost water-tight (or at least "reason-tight") nature of the circular logic behind it.[1][2] However, once people get a modicum of education this simple denial often starts to lose its appeal.
Another alternative is the belief in some form of "guided evolution" - evolution that is the subject of constant miraculous tweaks by an unseen hand. This often postulates that humans are the ultimate goal, placing us all back in that conforting special space of being unique and intentional. Guided evolution may be referred to as Theistic evolution or possibly as Intelligent design and incorportates some aspects of Natural Selection, but arbitrarily limits the power of the unguided process. However, one interpretation of theistic evolution believes that evolution is a guided schizm of the natural laws of the universe used by their respective deity.[3]
[edit] Equally fantastic alternatives
In Science of Discworld III, an alternative reality develops in which Charles Darwin writes a book entitled Theology of Species, where "survival of the fittest" is translated to "survival of the worthiest" and that evolution has a goal; to be closer to perfection for God when the world eventually ends (for "when the medals are given out" as one of the wizards puts it). Later in this alternate reality, the Rev. Richard Dawkins writes The Origin of Species to put forward an unguided evolutionary premise.
[edit] See also
[edit] Footnotes
- ↑ It's on a bumper sticker, it must be unbiquitous
- ↑ [1] Yahoo Answers; "How do you deal with these people?"
- ↑ Phony Theory, False Conflict
