First off, let's go straight to the origin of the theory
A lot of people like to argue for or against the merits of what Darwin had to say, but unfortunately a great many of them have never taken the time to actually read what he had to say.
You can check out the full text of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" online, or even buy yourself a copy.
Of course, reading Darwin is not enough to understand evolution - he wasn't right about everything, and a lot has been learned since his writing.
Check out some of these links for current information on the science behind evolution -
Evolution Directory List of links from the American Institute of Biological Sciences
Why intelligent design isn’t. by H. ALLEN ORR. From The New Yorker, Annals of Science. A run down of the main arguments from the main proponents of ID, and where they fail scientifically.
Let's have a quick run through of what evolution is and what it isn't:
Evolution is a theory.
- - - > [ A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena. ]
Evolution is also a fact.
- - - >[ Something demonstrated to exist or known to have existed ]
Evolution is an explanation of the manner in which the diversity of species on earth developed from a small number of simple organisms.
Evolution is supported by evidence. In fact, the more we learn, the more we see the facts that support evolution.
Evolution is supported by the concensus view of scientists, because of the above statements. The 'scientists' who do not accept evolution as a factual, evidence base theory, are a tiny minority who are associated with extreme religion and are pushing a religious viewpoint as opposed to a scientific viewpoint.
Evolution is a theory to which there have been no viable working alternative, scientific theories to date.
Evolution is not a religion
Evolution is not a sacred cow, protected by scientists. The scientific community is by its nature very critical of it's members and their views, and each theory is subjected to harsh critical review on a constant basis. Any flaws in scientific theories will be widely and publicly revealed and debated. Any working alternative theories will be heralded with great fanfare.
Evolution is not a subject of controversy among scientists
Evolution is not an explanation for the creation of the universe
Evolution is not a creed, a cult, a gospel, or any other such concept.
Evolution is not at odds with religion unless your religion puts you at odds with evolution. Science does not make allownaces for belief systems - reconciling your beliefs with the facts is a personal issue you will have to tackle.
For those of you who may be expecting a list of 'creationism' or 'intelligent design' links to "balance" this list - you won't find it. Neither Biblical Creationism nor Intelligent Design have any relevance on the scientific principle of evolution, and so will not be covered here (although they will certainly play a roll in plenty of the threads linked to below, as there is such a prevalant lack of understanding in this area).
So on to the threads. These are some of the discussions here at the Asylum on the subject of evolution:
(Created by DL-44 on 11-20-2005 03:33) (Edited by DL-44 on 07-25-2006 17:20) (Edited by DL-44 on 08-04-2006 18:33) (Edited by DL-44 on 12-30-2006 01:51)
