Has Darwinism actually helped society?

Question

And if so, how???

Answer 1

Yes, he helped us when he was on his death bed he finally told the TRUTH that evolution couldn't be possible, and many still believe in evolution.

Answer 2

Absolutely! But, let's distinguish between Darwinism and evolution. Darwinism refers to Charles Darwin's recognition that evolution occurs (through a process of adaptation to environmental changes and natural selection) and leads to changes in the characteristics of species over time. Evolution is a biological process that scientists have studied extensively for more than 100 years. I point out the distinction between the two because things can exist even though people don't have the knowledge that they exist. Ignorance and denial doesn't change the fact. A person's desire for something not to be true (or true) doesn't necessarily change objective reality. So, when you say Darwinism, I assume your asking whether or not our understanding of the process of evolution has helped society, not whether or not the process of evolution itself has actually helped society. Suffice it to say, and this is a scientific take on things, which is based on data and not belief and opinion, society wouldn't exist at all without evolution. However, back to your question, our understanding of evolution, based on Darwin's theory has led directly and indirectly to many of the important scientific and technological advances of the twentieth century. Just about every field of science, including biology, psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, geology, etc., recognizes and takes for granted the fact that evolution occurs. Despite what you hear in the media, it's not the scientists who are doing any sort of important work in their fields who doubt the importance of evolution, but rather people who oftentimes know little about the scientific method, the difference between fact and knowledge and belief and opinion.

Answer 3

Darwinism? Isn't that the Theory of Evolution as opposed to the theory of Intelligent design as to how we ended up here?

How can any theory hurt or help society? They're just words.

I think the bigger issue is do you need to have a supreme being to blame for our problems or can you deal with the fact that our problems are created by man and that no supreme being is going to step forward to save our asses?

Answer 4

Charles Darwin was a scientist who offered evidence supporting his theory of evolution. I believe he "helped society" just as any other great thinker did by offering knowledge. Of course, a lot of our society (can we say Christians?--I can say it, I'm one too!) believe that Darwin is responisble only for his theory of how man evolved. He also showed that animals evolve and there is a ton of evidence to back it up. Go to the Smithsonian and check out the ancient horse skeletons and compare them to horses today.

Answer 5

I doubt it. I think that the only things that really "help" society are the things the reinforce our moral code--our moral sense--that helps us become better people. Darwinism may or may not be terribly accurate in describing how homo sapiens came about. But it surely doesn't answer any substantive moral questions.

So has it helped society much? I doubt it. If you want society's real gold mine for values and the like look to the Bible.

Answer 6

I think he helped to confuse. Few people know that Darwin was a born again Christian at the time of his death.

Answer 7

Ginger, it doesn't matter if it helped or not, it is the truth. Has it helped society that the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening?

Answer 8

The very fact that your parents were able to reproduce is proof enough that Darwinism isn't in full effect.

Answer 9

Understanding the development of the human body helps us in medicine and science.

Answer 10

Theories help us to understand how the physical world works. So, yes.