Was Darwin Wrong?

I recently watched the National Geographic "Was Darwin wrong?" and found it to be very convincing. One would think that the debate between evolutionary "theory" and "fact" should be over. I realize there is a lot of information that can not be disseminated in a 2 hour program but enough to get the mental ball rolling. I then googled Was Darwin wrong and there was a plethora on creationists attacking the conclusions but a dearth of scientific support for the show. So what gives? We need, at the very least, to get more vocal about evolutionary science maybe even to the point of insisting the popular media stop it's comparison on creation to science. I think there are enough like to start in the kind of campaign the creationists use, letter writing, boycotts, etc. So let's hear it.

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Permalink Reply by Vangelis Stamatopoulos on February 5, 2011 at 6:01pm

I skimmed through the National Geographic article written by David Quammen. I can't see where he presents any evidence against evolution, only theist arguments which are basically unsupported and biased ramblings designed to prop up the preferred theistic primitive writings. Possibly there is more in the documentary?

 

In any case, you can't go past Richard Dawkins' "The Greatest Show on Earth" for an in-depth discussion of the scientific evidence for evolution by natural selection.

Permalink Reply by Ronin on February 5, 2011 at 6:33pm
I have read most of Dawkins" books. My point is that the creationists enjoy nearly unlimited support in the media. They have managed to seemingly co-opt the "high ground" in the argument between creation and science. We need to go on the offensive to show to the public that evolution really is fact and no longer to be associated with the word theory. I know that it should not make a difference which term you use but we are dealing with a populace that cherry picks terms based on ignorance. By using the word "fact" when discussing evolution we can possibly turn a corner towards better understanding. As history shows us, say it once and you have an opinion, say it a hundred times and it becomes truth. Maybe not an accurate quote but you get my drift.
Permalink Reply by Vangelis Stamatopoulos on February 5, 2011 at 6:40pm
Yes, I see what you mean. Theory is a scientifically recognised term that has a different meaning in the general population. I tend to call evolution a fact when discussing it with others and I think you are right - let it remain the technically correct term "theory" in scientific circles but let it be called a fact in the popular media.
Permalink Reply by Jim DePaulo on February 5, 2011 at 7:21pm

It really isn't the theory of evolution, but rather, the evolutionary theories of the processes of evolution.  Evolution is a defined, measureable process - much like the process of metabolism.  There are, however, theories on the nature of specific mechanisms in both evolution and metabolism.

I have no problem with calling evolution a fact.

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