Archive for the 'History Lessons' Category

Problems in Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

An often cited problem in Darwin’s observations is the idea that he set his theory, primarily, on observations of variation in domesticized animals and cultured plants. In some recent work, I have attempted to find a sound basis for the theory in the variations of species in a wild state of nature. Since the demand amount and exact nature of these variations is of paramount importance in the numerous problems that arise when we use the theory to explicate the facts of nature, it’s necessary to point out the actual variations as they are found to exist in a sufficient number of species. By doing this, we not only gain a better and more exact estimation of variation, we will gain a base of fact by which to test the assertions and dissents usually put forth on the study of specific variability. It will be found that, throughout the work, I refer to to these charts and the facts they exemplify, just as Darwin tended to draw from the facts of variation among dogs and pigeons.

I have also made what appears to me an important change in my examination of the topic. Instead of treating first the relatively troublesome and unfamiliar details of variation, I will start out with the Struggle for Existence, which is the fundamental process on which natural selection depends. Then I will take on the particular facts which are relatively familiar and very intriguing. My examination will have the additional advantage of looking in-depth at how natural selection acts in natural environments.

I do admit that my view contains differences from some of Darwin’s opinions, but my whole work tends to exemplify the terrific importance of Natural Selection over all other agencies in the production of new species. That being said, I take up Darwin’s early viewpoint, which he altered in the later editions of his writings. The fact of natural selection and its influence on the mutation and development of species is the Darwinian doctrine, and on that account, I am a devout advocate of pure Darwinism.

It’s interesting to note the outgrowth of scientists of the Christian faith who support the new intelligent design theory. Their theory lives someplace between the purely Biblical opinion of creation theory on the one side and Darwin’s theory of evolution. There is a unique demographic on the evolution creationism debate that is sociologically worthwhile, which I take up as a friend and colleague of mine is interested in conducting such a report.