Evolution as Fact & Theory` by Stephen Jay Gould Essay

This article talks about evolution as it relates to science and religion, philosophically. Gould talks about the fact that the arguments for creationism and evolution have not changed much, the science and religion are the same. He links the recent debates opposing the theory of evolution as the result of right wing politics that has taken hold of today’s society and political world. Gould states that today’s politicians talk about â€Å"scientific creationism â€Å"as if it is based in science. The creationists also jump on the term â€Å"theory â€Å"when used by evolutionist as if theory implies proof of guesswork, â€Å"only theory†. Gould explains the term â€Å"theory† as a string of ideas and facts. He provides examples of widely accepted theories in an attempt to debunk the creationist objection to theory. He provides similar explanation of the term â€Å"fact†. Darwin’s theory and detailed explanation are reviewed in the article, as this is central to today’s debate regarding creationism versus evolution. Gould’s view is that creationists attempt to argue against evolution is based entirely on arguing rhetoric. They use an argument style of Popper’s, which focuses on falsifying the evolutionist claims. Gould asserts that what the creationist lack is the ability to assure proves their own principles of creationism. Gould concludes that what keeps creationists firm in their belief system is dogma, not science. Thomas S. Kuhn – The Structure of Scientific Revolutions Like Gould, Kuhn takes on the debate between science and dogma. Kuhn is a scientist, clearly a believer in the scientific process though he takes pains in his article to examine the issues raised by proponents of dogma. Kuhn also believes that the opposition to evolution is based on poking holes in theories and finding loopholes, rather than convincing one with actual science. This article is largely focused on disproving dogma and supporting the scientific method. Kuhn’s overall belief as expressed in the article is that scientific theories always win arguments with dogma. This work includes a discussion on experience and perception and the relationship to presupposition. Kuhn reviews the process of scientific theory and discovery, and the philosophy behind the process.