Creationism vs evolution: through the eyes of Jay Gould
It has been over 100 years since English naturalist Charles Darwin first told the world
his revolutionary concept about how livings things develop. Evolution through natural
selection and adaptation was the basis of his argument as it remains to this day a
debated subject by many. Across this nation, a "return" to "traditional" values has also
brought the return of age old debated topics. One issue that truly separates Americans
is the issue of creation versus evolution. Since the 19th century, this divisive topic
has been debated in school boards and state capitols across America. In many instances
religious fundamentalists won the day by having banned the instruction or even the
mention of "ungodly" evolutionary thinking in schools. With today's social and political
climate, this question is back with greater force than ever. This is why this subject is
more important now than ever. In Jay Gould's book The Panda's Thumb, an overview of and
an argument for Charles Darwin's evolutionary thinking is conducted with flowing thoughts
and ideas. This essay titled "Natural Selection and the Human Brain: Darwin vs. Wallace"
takes a look directly at two hard fought battles between evolutionists and creationists.
Using sexual selection and the origins of human intellect as his proponents, Gould argues
his opinion in the favor of evolutionary thought.
In this essay titled "Natural Selection and The Human Brain: Darwin vs. Wallace," Gould
tells about the contest between Darwin and another prominent scientist named Alfred
Wallace over two important subjects. These topics, one being sexual selection and the
other about the origins of the human brain and intellect were debated by men who
generally held the same views on evolution. However on these two subjects, Wallace
chose to differ as he described it as his "special heresy" (53). The first of these two
areas of debate between the two men was the question of "sexual selection." Darwin
theorized that there laid two types of sexual selection. First a competition between
males for access to females and second the choice "exercised by females themselves" (51).
In this, Darwin attributed racial differences among modern human beings to sexual
selection "based upon different criteria of beauty that arose among various peoples"
(51). Wallace, however, disputed the suggestion of female choice. He believed that
animals were highly evolved and beautiful works of art, not allowing the suggestion of
male competition to enter his mind.
The debate of sexual selection was but a mere precursor to a much more famous and
important question . . . the question of the origins of the human mind. Gould's
discussion of the origins of the human mind is one that he in which he vocalizes his own
opinions and feelings in a much more critical manner. Gould begins the topic of human
origins by briefly criticizing Wallace for his different views on this subject. Wallace
believed that human intellect and morality were unique and could not be the product of
natural selection. Wallace suggested that "some higher power" (53) must have "intervened
to construct this latest and greatest of organic innovations." Gould sharply chastises
Wallace for "simple cowardice, for inability to transcend the constraints of culture and
traditional views of human uniqueness, and for inconsistency in advocating natural
selection so strongly" (53). The argument that human intelligence was divine along with
the belief that all people of all races have the same capacity of intellect, but are
limited only by their culture was at the heart of Wallace's opinions. Gould rebuts
Wallace by going into Darwin's "subtler view." Gould writes that our brains may have
"originated 'for' some set of necessary skills . . . but these skills do not exhaust the
limits of what such a complex machine can do" (57). Gould ends by describing Wallace's
thinking as having direct ties with creationist thought. A school of thought that Gould
obviously portrays as wrong throughout his essay.
Throughout The Panda's Thumb, Gould tells us about the debate between Darwin and Wallace
over sexual selection and the origins of human intellect. Throughout his essay Gould
gives vivid accounts of the different views expressed by the two men as he analyzes the
validity of each. He makes a clear opinion and backs up his claim. In this, Gould
sufficiently argues his points that he makes. As a writer, Gould tells his opinion
through clear and precise words in a style that anyone could grasp immediately. To make
his point unmistakable, Gould gives direct and continuous analysis, commentary, and
criticism as he digs deeper into his subjects. Gould's style of writing is not only
appropriate, but is favorable for this type of discussion and can be applauded. Rather
than submitting to a scientists ever present tendency to over explain and over analyze
while using incomprehensible vocabulary, Gould gets the job done with brief yet
fulfilling summaries and statements.
In the end, however, Gould must be judged by his judgement. His argument is the ultimate
standard bearer and in this there are few weaknesses. His excellent use of clear
language and style as he analyzes a particular subject is commendable. Never does Gould
stray into incomprehensible scientific hog wash. Never does Gould let himself begin to
attack mercilessly without a shred of evidence.
But even with Gould's excellent story telling in his essay, there remains subtler, yet
still present weaknesses in his argument. While Gould appropriately attacks Wallace for
his creationist stance on human intellect, he in turn fails through his lack of
creationist related discussions. While he does argue and does it well, he leaves
something to be desired in his attack on creationist thought. In addition, Gould doesn't
seem to write enough about Darwin's own feelings about the human intellect, though he
states Darwin's underlying opinion, it would had been beneficial for Gould to have done
more in this area.
Jay Gould's essay "Natural selection and the human brain" is one that strikes the
readers mind with interest and curiosity. Written in a style and format that is "reader
friendly" while sufficiently and consistently arguing a clear and precise point are the
attributes that make Gould's essay such a delight to read. More important, however, is
the social implications of this essay. While school boards across the nation debate the
subject of whether evolution should be taught in the schools, Gould's work stands out
with it's overriding validity and straightforwardness. It is an example of reasonable
argument as evolution's opponents use nothing but rhetoric and fear to displace
scientific analysis. Through Gould's work, a greater sense of understanding about how
creatures evolved can be gained through these two excellent examples.
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