Despite an overwhelming amount of convergent empirical evidence across a number of scientific disciplines, many people, especially in North America, still refuse to accept the theory of evolution. If the evidence supporting evolution is overwhelming, why is this so?
There are, of course, a number of possible explanations. For example, many have argued that our education system has done a poor job properly teaching kids about evolution. As someone who teaches college courses, I know I have had discussions with students who clearly have false beliefs about the theory. Similarly, there are individuals and organizations (primarily religious in nature) that are misrepresenting evolution in a strategic effort to dissuade people from accepting it and teaching it in schools
But why are we failing to properly teach the theory in schools and why are some people so invested in preventing our kids from being exposed to scientific evidence? In other words, what is so threatening about this particular theory? A recent series of studies examined this issue by considered existential anxiety about death as a reason people may resist evolution and favor intelligent design (the belief in a creator)
First, let me provide a little background on the topic of existential anxiety about death. I have discussed this issue in a number of previous posts. The basic idea is that humans are unique animals in that we have the intellectual horsepower to reflect on ourselves (self-awareness) and our existential predicament (we are mortal). From early childhood, we understand that we are physically vulnerable. We can suffer a random accident, be the victim of a violent crime, or be diagnosed with a fatal disease. At some point in our development, we also begin to fully grasp that though we can avoid some fatal risks through good behavior (e.g., eating well, wearing our seatbelts), many risks are out of our control.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/death-love-sex-magic/201104/why-do-people-still-reject-the-theory-evolution
But why are we failing to properly teach the theory in schools and why are some people so invested in preventing our kids from being exposed to scientific evidence? In other words, what is so threatening about this particular theory? A recent series of studies examined this issue by considered existential anxiety about death as a reason people may resist evolution and favor intelligent design (the belief in a creator)
First, let me provide a little background on the topic of existential anxiety about death. I have discussed this issue in a number of previous posts. The basic idea is that humans are unique animals in that we have the intellectual horsepower to reflect on ourselves (self-awareness) and our existential predicament (we are mortal). From early childhood, we understand that we are physically vulnerable. We can suffer a random accident, be the victim of a violent crime, or be diagnosed with a fatal disease. At some point in our development, we also begin to fully grasp that though we can avoid some fatal risks through good behavior (e.g., eating well, wearing our seatbelts), many risks are out of our control.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/death-love-sex-magic/201104/why-do-people-still-reject-the-theory-evolution
No comments:
Post a Comment