| Gymnotide |
November 16th, 2010 1:49 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vulpes bicaudata
(Post 6288292)
I have requested the old poll be locked, so if it hasn't yet, it should be soon.
I am researching the effect of a certain variable, to be disclosed later, on the level of support for evolution. Please vote for the option which most closely matches your beliefs on the evolution of life, including macroevolution.
Option 1: I believe in a completely naturalistic form of evolution, including macroevolution, without deities. Natural selection was the main driving force.
Option 2: I believe a deity or deities used evolution, including macroevolution, as a tool to create life, and did not interfere with its progress; in other words, they did not “guide” evolution. Natural selection was the main driving force.
Option 3: I believe that changes in life forms are guided by a deity ("intelligent design"). I do not believe in natural selection.
Option 4: I believe in a form of creationism where life forms are static and do not change, but remain as they were created by a deity or deities.
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Regarding Option I:
Feel free to [quote][/quote] in the first post.
This definition of Evolutionary Theory is severely obsolete. Natural Selection, though still one of the major influences of evolution, is no longer deemed the sole factor by most evolutionary theorists. The new points, called collectively as Modern Evolution, are outlined as followed:
- Natural Selection -- Traits are "selected" to be more evolutionarily fit. Furthermore, "fitness" is ONLY defined by REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS and NO OTHER FACTORS, i.e. "fitness" has nothing to do with survival or living, physical mechanisms (other than reproductive), or attractiveness.
- Sexual Selection -- Traits are "selected" distinct from Natural Selection, based on the preference of individuals. Sexual Selection is mediated by the following: (1) direct benefits of mate selection, (2) indirect benefits of mate selection, and (3) the desire to obtain "good genes." Sexual Selection occurs through sexual conflict (the reproductive success of one individual at the expense of the other), both intra- (male-to-male combat) and intersexual (female choice of male).
- Genetic Drift -- The random progression of gene concentration. Genetic Drift CANNOT be observed, measured or quantified. It has no evolutionary basis, but can affect the evolution of species.
- Modern Synthesis -- Evolution is guided by genetics and genetics ONLY. The mechanisms of Darwinian Genetics greatly explain and reinforce this. Paleontology / gradualism reign over all other theories.
- New Genetic Determinism -- Traits are not only adaptive, but are also byproducts of other adaptations / environmental factors. Genes can be phenotypically plastic based on environment, social environment, and genetics.
- New Synthesis / Ecological Evolution -- Evolution (particularly behavioral) can be brought on my social interactions and social environment / preferences, e.g. symbiosis, altruism.
Regarding Option II
Small problem with this one -- Evolution does NOT explain how life was "created," but rather how it HAS and WILL CONTINUE to progress. Abiogenesis / biogenesis is a completely different topic that spans into cosmology, quantum mechanics, and organic chemistry. Evolution occurs after life has been created.
Regarding Option III
You can't "believe" in Natural Selection because it is a purely scientific concept, drawn from scientific data. Furthermore, science runs on the analysis of factual data and facts cannot be subject to disproving. Note that scientific "following" is different than scientific "belief" (which does not exist). Natural Selection DOES have solid proof and CAN be observed in the present day.
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That being said, religion and evolution aren't even related. They shouldn't be compared to each other and their views should not be intermingled. They never clash, except in the case of Anti-Religious Conspiracy vs. Evolutionary Theory OR Literalism vs. Evolutionary Theory, which, honestly, are preposterous topics anyway. Having a religious views towards biogenesis does not mean genes don't exist, or that evolution doesn't occur. Evolutionary CANNOT be refuted because EVOLUTION (note: "evolution" is not the same as Evolutionary Theory) can be readily observed.
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