How has the Theory of Evolution affected people's views?

Answer 1

To elaborate, theories of evolution existed prior to Darwin - there was wide scientific acceptance of the principle that organisms evolved into new species. Prior to Darwin, the actual mechanism was uncertain. Darwin's breakthrough was natural selection, whereby organisms change by optimising to their environments. They do this either in response to change, or to exploit untapped environmental resources - think of the camel's adaptation to low rainfall/desert environments. Objectors to the theory of evolution claim that evolution is just a theory. They are correct. Objectors are wrong to suggest that, being a theory, evolution is not factual.

A theory is a statement of confidence, where a law (in science) is a numerically-provable fact, such as Newton's Law of Gravity. The absence of a mathematically-elegant formula (such as Newton's Law) does not reduce the validity and predictive usefulness of a theory.

Evolution is confidently demonstrated every day by the emergence of new antibiotic-resistant bacteria and by calici-virus-resistant rabbits. Challenging these organisms has killed off all but the few which are naturally resistant. Over time, the resistant strains become the main part of the population.

Answer 2

First of all, much of the entire science of Biology is soundly based on Darwin's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Our understanding of life processes owes much to the work of Charles Darwin.

Now that people can see how species evolved, they have less need for superstition and myth to explain where we came from and why we are here. Modern religions have adapted, removing elements of superstitious belief and accepting the realities of science. And some people, no longer needing to believe in a creator god, have abandoned religion all together.

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Answer 3

The theory of evolution has made possible the notion that life is meaningless and that living things, no matter how wonderfully complex, are the result of an implausible string of accidents. This notion may undermine our morals, ethics and conscience. Belief in evolution has led many people to jettison thousands of years of worldwide traditions such as belief in an afterlife and a higher Power. See also:

Is there evidence for Creation?

Can you show that God exists?

Seeing God's wisdom