Is it true that most people are not knowledgeable or smart enough to have an opinion on evolution?

Question

Someone asked about believing in String Theory lately...I said most people don't know enough to have an opinion. I see SO MANY people here who don't know what evolution is about, or even what a scientific theory is, that I wonder if it's the same case for evolution... Whatcha think?

Answer 1

Almost half of Americans could not identify the correct definition for evolution when given a list.

Answer 2

As lay people, we are somewhat dependent on what experts tell us. The important thing is that the information is there for people who want to find it.

Evolution is different from string theory in that the former is well established, and the latter is still relatively new and controversial among scientists. I don't think the majority of people have the time and inclination to really learn enough about physics to understand the debate about string theory, but with evolution, the facts are so well established that we're on much more solid ground if we accept its conclusions.

Answer 3

Yes, most people don't know enough to have a VALID opinion. Once you know about 1% of the science behind evolution, you know enough to be fooled by anti-evolution propaganda (violates 2nd law of thermodynamics for example). Once you know about 3%, you will still question it with propaganda. But once you know about 10%, you realize it is the most logical explanation, but with some holes. It takes at least 25% knowledge of evolution to understand that humans in fact did evolve from a primitive primate. Once you know 100% of the science, you no longer spend you time debating the issue. instead you find cures for diseases and do some of the most amazing work in history.

Answer 4

I am a Mathematician with a graduate level physics background and I barely understand string theory. On the other hand the basic concepts (natural selection, imperfect reproduction ) of evolutionary theory are pretty simple.

That said, I agree most people are pretty ignorant. I actually meet people every day that don't even understand simple multi-dimensional calculus. How then can they ever hope to understand reality.

Answer 5

I see it on both sides of the fence though. I see many defenders of evolution defending it not because they've researched the evidence for and against and came to the conclusion that's it's true, but have settled the case a priori based on their worldview. You'll see things on here like "evolution is science" or "evolution has been proven by over a hundred years of research." And they have no idea what they're talking about, and don't even have a passing knowledge of many, many problems evolution is fraught with...or the many embellishments, errors or outright deception invoked by so many evolutionists.

Answer 6

I think they're smart enough, although most us could probably have paid a wee bit more attention in biology class. ;-)

There are two other things going on re evolution. One is that people tend to look at it backwards, in terms of the results. They assume that a trait evolved in order to produce a certain result. Fortunately for me, that 'teleological thinking' was a pet peeve of my genetics prof and he made sure we got it right. (Mutations happen. Those that increase survival or reproductive rates tend to increase in frequency in successive generations.)

The other side is that many people get their information re evolution from Christian websites, magazines or their trusted pastor. These sources put forward a misshapen view of evolution that bears no resemblance to any accepted scientific model. This work is based on completely false assumptions. Unfortunately, the rest of it does have a certain basic logic, so an intelligent person who doesn't remember everything from high school bio will follow it along and agree with the conclusion.

But that work is based on completely false assumptions. It's not that people aren't smart enough. It's that they're working from a false starting point.

Answer 7

Very true.

I was one of those people before spending time on this forum. I would talk about it, like I had a working knowledge of what Evolution was all about. But after following some links and spending many hours reading and watching youtube videos, I have a much better understanding of it now. I am only starting to scratch the surface, but my self education on this subject has been real rewarding and has influenced my belief structure quit a bit.

Answer 8

I think you're correct... they've been brainwashed so much by their religious teachings, they are incapable of learning about something as complex as evolution.

They have a hard time grasping it because they can't conceive of something that can be true and yet changing all the time. Their bible is static, never will change, so it must be true and if evolution can be changing depending on new information, they feel it must be false.

They cannot understand because their brains have been wired to believe only what the bible says, regardless of free thought.

Answer 9

Yes and no.

I think anyone is entitled to an opinion on evolution, however the more informed someone is the more credence that opinion has. The classic "If we evolved from monkeys then why are there still monkeys?" question is an example of people who really should know when to shut up and read up on something first.

Answer 10

Opinions are like a55holes - everyone has one, and most stink...

With that being said, anyone and everyone is entitled to an opinion on evolution. The unfortunate part is that the majority of the people who disagree with it are completely uneducated in it, or completely misunderstand it. However, they are still entitled to an opinion - no matter how false/misleading it truly is...