What are the arguments for and against evolution?

Answer 1

The arguments for evolution are easy to sum up: virtually every observation in the scientific disciplines of Biology and palaeontology.

The arguments against require a more nuanced approach. Many have been made, but on cursory inspection, they almost invariably appear to be based on misinformation, misconception, misrepresentation, misquoting or quote-mining, or willful ignorance. The least factually inaccurate (though still not in any way compelling) arguments against evolution so far are all in the category "we don't know yet, so evolution must be wrong."

Answer:

This answer is from a Creation-standpoint and not accepted as factual by most scientists. Creationists hold that:

1) The lack of transitional fossils has been noted by evolutionists, such as this statement from the famous paleontologist and evolutionist George G. Simpson; quote: "The regular lack of transitional fossils is not confined to primates alone, but is an almost universal phenomenon."

2) Instances of falsifying of evidence by evolutionists, such as Haeckel's drawings and Piltdown Man.

3) Creationists see the "survival of the fittest" and the dating of rock layers by fossils as being perfect tautologies.

4) The fact that some qualified, educated, normal scientists do not believe in evolution.

5) The fact that there is a shared, worldwide tradition among every ancient society that the world was created.

6) Evolving of new species has not been witnessed during known history.

7) Mutations are harmful, not beneficial. One of the tasks of DNA and of long-term breeding is to avoid or repair any changes brought about by mutations.

8) Mutations, even if beneficial, do not create new organs.

9) The fact that a great number of fossils have been found in the "wrong" rock-layers according to what evolutionary Paleontology would require.

10) The fact that you need DNA to make DNA.

11) The problem of the impossibility of abiogenesis.

12) The fact that evolution was once used as support for the belief that Blacks (or others) are less than highly-evolved humans.

Answer 2

For evolution: overwhelming evidence from multiple scientific disciplines, such as fossil records, genetic studies, and observed natural selection. Consistency with the laws of biology and geology.

Against evolution: religious beliefs, lack of direct observation of large-scale evolutionary changes, and challenges in reconciling certain aspects of evolution with some religious teachings.