Argument from evolution: Encyclopedia - Argument from evolution

Argument from evolution

The argument from evolution is an argument against the existence of God, specifically against the existence of a creator God. It is based upon the premise:

1. Science provides sound explanations for the origin and diversity of life, and the origin of the Universe.
2. Theistic explanations for the origins of life can be criticised.
3. Therefore, by Occam's Razor, it is more likely that the universe is a result of naturalistic processes rather than being created.

Modern creationism can be seen as a reaction to this argument, since some creationists criticise accepted scientific explanations, arguing that theism provides a better explanation.

The argument is specifically against a creator God, such as the God described in Genesis — Evolutionary creationists accept both scientific theories on origins and the existence of God.

Argument from evolution - Overview

Abrahamic theology will often cite God as the Creator of humans, and all other organisms; or at least the creation of some element such as the soul.

The scientific community holds that the Universe, Earth, life and humans arose by natural processes. An extensive theoretical framework has been developed by the scientific community, encompassing astronomy, geology and evolutionary biology. This framework is supported by the tests of many orthodox scientists.

The view that natural processes shape the universe is accepted by most mainstream religious organisations, often with caveats; see theistic evolution. Other, particularly young Earth creationists oppose some or most of these concepts.

The argument from evolution argues that the existence of God is unnecessary and irrelevant to any explanation of the evolution of species. See also argument from poor design.

Argument from evolution - Criticisms

Argument from evolution - Evolution has not been proven

One of the fundamental assumptions of the argument is that evolution is true (or at least plausible). If the theist rejects this premise, the argument loses much of its strength. Some proponents of evolution, for example the late Stephen Jay Gould, disagree with this concept, stating the Theory of Evolution is both a fact and a theory. It has earned the rank of fact as much as any other scientific theory has. While evolution is generally considered by legitimate scientists to be the best scientific explanation for the diversity of life, the theist is still free to reject it. As an example, some creationists today invoke logic similar to the Omphalos argument, which, in effect, claims that the evidence is misleading. Others attack the quality of the scientific evidence itself.

Argument from evolution - Evolution can co-exist with a creator

Another common reply is that although evolution demonstrates that the diversity of life on earth could exist without a supreme being, it does not say that it necessarily does. Various theists, theistic agnostics, and religious denominations accept evolution. They contend that if evolution is true, this only invalidates certain creation stories or the teleological argument, not theism itself.

Categories: Evolutionary biology | Creationism

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Argument from evolution", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki