Posted: Apr 13, 2011 9:33 pm
rEvolutionist wrote:It's an interesting concept this thread. I'm sure there are specific cases of where the ToE has lead to advances, but I can't say i've ever really viewed the theory in that light. ToE addresses (to most extents) where we come from. The 'where do I/we come from' has got to be one of the most innate questions humans have always probably asked themselves. That's probably also why religion and superstition is so rife. I'd don't view the theory as needing to have practical advances to be of great worth in and of itself. I think it addresses many fundamental question of what it means to be human and part of the animal kingdom. That in itself makes it totally worthwhile in my mind, even if it contributed nothing of practical value whatsoever.
I agree but the question, "where do we come from" has a different answer to theists and they will ignore ToE as credible. By highlighting what the ToE has given humanity in quantifiable terms, it puts a face on it that people can relate to more easily.... perhaps.
By pointing out that the medicine they are taking is curing their or their childrens illness due to our knowledge of the ToE is perhaps more accesible than trying to explain natural selection, mutation, etc. I wouldn't calss myslef as a dummy but it took me a while to get my head around the explanation (actually a series of explanations, sometimes the explanaations go into too much depth leaving you scratching your head and I'm sure it's hindered even further if your a theist because you'll have massively conflicting answers which would make if difficult I guess).
By having a "in your face" broadcast of what the ToE has given us, I think that would help massively for people to come to grips with it - not necessarily understand it but if they can understand what it's given us and how important it is, maybe they'll come to accept it.