Post by nolanharris on May 17, 2015 19:07:41 GMT
1. Why is the theory of evolution so important in understanding how human beings behave?
The theory of evolution explains the history of humans, which is important in understanding human behavior. According to the theory of evolution, humans evolved from apes. This piece of evidence is important for two reason: (1) it explains where certain human behaviors came from, and (2) it shows what behaviors are uniquely human. For example, when observing apes most will notice that a lot of their behavior is very similar to humans. They hug, groom, kiss, use tools, and walk upright. They also communicate using facial expressions and language. However, while observing apes reveals how humans are similar to apes, it also shows how much human behavior has evolved from that of chimps. For instance, unlike apes who are restricted to a few sounds and gestures when communicating, humans have developed very complex ways of communicating. Humans have also evolved in their ability to adapt. While apes are confined to their natural habitats, humans can survive in almost any habitat because of their unique ability to create.
2. Which questions do you think evolutionary theory cannot answer?
Evolution cannot explain morality. While it can offer an explanation about how things came about, it cannot differentiate between right or wrong. For example, it can not explain why murder is right or wrong because evolutionary speaking it can be both. Evolutionist may argue that murder is considered to be wrong today because of natural selection--civilizations who thought murder was okay eventually died off while those who did not flourished. However, that only explains how murder was considered to be wrong, not that it was or is. As the short film The Evolutionary Imperative: To Be or Not to Be implied about suicide, according to evolutionist, morality has to be subjective. The only way morals can be objective--that is, definitely right or wrong-- is if there is a moral giver, or God. However, evolution by its very definition denies the existence of a moral giver and thus denies the fact that something can be definitely wrong or right. While evolution can explain many things, it may not be able to explain whether a certain behavior/action is right or wrong.
The theory of evolution explains the history of humans, which is important in understanding human behavior. According to the theory of evolution, humans evolved from apes. This piece of evidence is important for two reason: (1) it explains where certain human behaviors came from, and (2) it shows what behaviors are uniquely human. For example, when observing apes most will notice that a lot of their behavior is very similar to humans. They hug, groom, kiss, use tools, and walk upright. They also communicate using facial expressions and language. However, while observing apes reveals how humans are similar to apes, it also shows how much human behavior has evolved from that of chimps. For instance, unlike apes who are restricted to a few sounds and gestures when communicating, humans have developed very complex ways of communicating. Humans have also evolved in their ability to adapt. While apes are confined to their natural habitats, humans can survive in almost any habitat because of their unique ability to create.
2. Which questions do you think evolutionary theory cannot answer?
Evolution cannot explain morality. While it can offer an explanation about how things came about, it cannot differentiate between right or wrong. For example, it can not explain why murder is right or wrong because evolutionary speaking it can be both. Evolutionist may argue that murder is considered to be wrong today because of natural selection--civilizations who thought murder was okay eventually died off while those who did not flourished. However, that only explains how murder was considered to be wrong, not that it was or is. As the short film The Evolutionary Imperative: To Be or Not to Be implied about suicide, according to evolutionist, morality has to be subjective. The only way morals can be objective--that is, definitely right or wrong-- is if there is a moral giver, or God. However, evolution by its very definition denies the existence of a moral giver and thus denies the fact that something can be definitely wrong or right. While evolution can explain many things, it may not be able to explain whether a certain behavior/action is right or wrong.