Should we accept the Evolutionary Theory today as Dogmatic Truth, or is there still room for criticism?

Question

It is not the theory that is dogmatic (I guess quite a few posters on here do not know what the term means).

It is those that present the theory today that are dogmatic. They have no reason to be, yet they are verbally abusive, condescending, and try to act authoritative.

It is an ugly spirit and mars the debate.

Answer 1

You can go about challenging all of the known facts associated with the theory and see where that gets you.

Answer 2

critics of evolution will always criticize it no matter what. They don't believe in Carbon dating but if anyone was ever to find something that disapproved evolution through carbon dating they'll be all over it.


Nevilles, I really recommend reading The selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. Evolution is not based on countless mutations. Actually no specie really wants to mutate. They do because of errors in replicating the genetic code and if those mutations are for good then the gene replicates in future generations. If the mutation is bad then the organism that gets it does not reproduce or if it does the gene is not picked as the best gene from the gene pool.
Down's syndrome is a genetic disorder but its when we get an extra chromosome. The chances of a kid getting down's syndrome increase as the mother and the father age.

The reason humans don't "MUTATE" is because humans genes are too perfect. Genes goal in life is to make a perfect survival machine. Humans are the perfect survival machine.
We have so many check points in our system to see that the genetic code was copied perfectly. DNA liaise continuously double checks it as it replicates the DNA strands. If it misses anything we have so many other proteins just for this function.
Yet mutations take place but since a couple of genes control the same system unless at least 4 or 5 of them get mutated you are not going to show symptoms.

Really read that book its really really good.

Answer 3

There is no denying the fact of Evolution Theory. It is possible within a few years to watch quickly spawning species such as insects as they adapt to their environment by changing colors progressively over generations, changing body shape/size, and even altering diet and those bodyparts suited to consuming it. However, I think your question seeks an answer a bit deeper than that.

While it is certainly true that evolutionary theory is based in fact, there are still no conclusive examples which support the kinds of vast leaps which evolution theory would require in order to be a plausible explanation for the origin of man (from amoeba, specifically). Essentially, in order for such a vast series of adaptations to occur, there would have to have been moments of significant mutation, commonly known as "missing links" - during which one species basically spawns directly into another, similar, but more advanced form of itself.

An example of one significant problem which this type of mutation faces would be the development of flight - specifically flight reflex and hollow bones (which don't seem plausible as random genetic mutation).

I have included a couple of links to interesting sites which cover this topic in greater depth - but to answer your question directly:

Evolution Theory is still regarded as just that - Theory. It can not be taken as "dogmatic truth" when regarded as an explanation for the origin of life or the development from single-celled organisms into sentient beings because there are still significant holes in it. At the same time, it is a provable fact that organisms evolve at least on some level, so Evolution itself is not a Theory at all - but a proven scientific method.

The real question to ask is - how far does evolution go, and what are the limits of what it can explain?

Answer 4

There is ALWAYS room for criticism, but it must be upheld if we want to move on and use it as a tool to better ourselves. I'm 99.999% sure it won't be overturned any time soon.

Einstein's relativity isn't 100% correct, but without it, we wouldn't have all of the wonderful things like computers that we have now. Soon, there will be a different understanding that will allow for technology that is currently "impossible." That's how science works.

When people make real advancements in inproving people's lives through strict creation theory, then others would pay attention and use it.

Answer 5

There is plenty of room for criticism. In fact if anybody comes up with something that disproves, improves or can replace the theory of evolution they would likely win the Nobel Prize.

If you have anything to offer to the ongoing debate on how evolution works feel free to present a paper on it.

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Scott F. is obviously one of those who fails to understand the difference between facts and theories. I am truly sorry that our education system failed so miserably for him. With a bit of knowledge he likely would have had a promising future.
Include John D. and Nevilles.

You people really need to get an understanding about what a "Theory" actually is.
Theories do not grow up to become facts. That is just not how it works. Facts are the things we can observe. Theories are the explanations for how those facts exist.
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Even though I disagree with Troyshark on some of his points at least he understands what the practice of science is about.

Answer 6

It's a developing science, like all sciences. Today we know more than we did about evolution than when Darwin propsed it, in exactly the same way that we know more about aerodynamics than the Wright brothers. This does not negate it, but there is always more to learn.
This is what makes scientific thought so much more vital than religious dogma...it changes and evolves with each new discovery, whereas religion requires facts and discoveries to be suppressed in order to maintain credibility.

Answer 7

For the sake of the present, and its Dogmatic Truth of being as of today, I do believed on procreation and of its consequences upon it... that to includes creation and evolution. As it is as it is now, everything is open to criticism as I have criticized.

Answer 8

Because of state schools, ( and slow learners,) most think evolution is a fact. But as people mature more, and live life, they start to realize the Truth. Unfortunately some don't, and in turn, drag the younger ones down with them.

Answer 9

It is a fact that evolution is how we came to be. The questions exists in our family tree. As for criticism. The people out there willing to argue evolution are the ones who want to keep you from being what you are. Human.

Answer 10

many things are still unproven. the puzzle might come together someday, but at present time even biologist don't totally agree with the orgin of life or the evoultion of life. i think many views need to be taught to open the minds of students on the subject.

Answer 11

Sure, there is room for criticism, particularly around the mechanisms, time frames, etc. The fundamental principle, less so but I would still listen to an intelligent point or two. If it starts with Genesis1: 24 - 34 then it is a waste of argument space.