Creationism vs. Evolutionism: A Comparative Analysis
Classified in Philosophy and ethics
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Creationism vs. Evolutionism
Creationism
Henry M. Morris, considered the father of scientific creationism, states that the Earth was created by God just before the universal Flood. Utilizing the watchmaker analogy, proponents argue that human beings exhibit so many signs of intelligent design that simply listing them serves as a compelling argument for God's existence.
Evolutionism
The scientific community widely accepts that all life has evolved from a single type of living creature or initial life forms, and that living things have changed throughout Earth's history. Every species, whether fossilized or living, has originated from a preceding species. Evolution is, therefore, a well-supported scientific fact.
Facts: Data observed in the world.
Theories: Structures of ideas that explain and interpret facts.
Lamarckism
Lamarckism is based on the following principles:
- The Need to Adapt: Bodily characteristics of animals and plants change to adapt to environmental changes.
- Law of Use and Disuse: Frequent use of an organ develops and enlarges it. Conversely, the lack of use weakens and eventually causes it to disappear.
- Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics: Traits acquired or lost by individuals are passed on to their offspring.
Darwinism
Darwinism, the early basic theory of natural selection, posits the following:
- Individuals within a population are not identical; they exhibit variations. Some of these variations are heritable.
- Struggle for Existence: Individuals must overcome environmental challenges to survive and reproduce.
- Adaptations: Variations that are more favorable (fittest) enable individuals to survive and reproduce more successfully.
- Natural Selection: The reproduction and survival of the fittest individuals leads, over many generations, to the accumulation of favorable characteristics relative to the environment and the elimination of unfavorable characteristics. These changes, driven by natural selection, are responsible for the emergence of new species.