The arguments against evolution have been hotly debated for many years. It all began with the publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origins of the Species back in 1859. Interestingly Darwin himself was hesitant to publish his discoveries as he was well aware of the controversy it would stir up. He waited many years before finally making the decision to publish his findings, knowing that he would change the course of scientific thinking.
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.
Darwin's work was mostly undertaken on his voyage on a British ship called the Beagle. The Beagle had been commissioned to sail to the Pacific and study the natural flora and fauna. Darwin was a civilian artist and scientist who spent many hours observing the plants and animals in the natural habitat. From his observations he was able to determine that birds on each of the islands had evolved in slightly different ways. This was the basis of his argument for the survival of the fittest.
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.
Many people would be happy to see a more fair and balanced approach that gives equal time to both theories. As neither has been proved it would be reasonable to offer both perspectives. However, the separation of church and state prevents the discussion of religious materials in publicly funded educational establishments.
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.
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.
Darwin's work was mostly undertaken on his voyage on a British ship called the Beagle. The Beagle had been commissioned to sail to the Pacific and study the natural flora and fauna. Darwin was a civilian artist and scientist who spent many hours observing the plants and animals in the natural habitat. From his observations he was able to determine that birds on each of the islands had evolved in slightly different ways. This was the basis of his argument for the survival of the fittest.
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.
Many people would be happy to see a more fair and balanced approach that gives equal time to both theories. As neither has been proved it would be reasonable to offer both perspectives. However, the separation of church and state prevents the discussion of religious materials in publicly funded educational establishments.
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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