Roller

Hello!

How can I explain to a person that evolution does not have a goal of creating "perfect" organisms?

Thanks!

Minnesota

The word "goal" implies forethought. Evolution, a natural phenomenon, does not think. It does not plan for anything. Nature is no more than the elements of the universe in interaction with one another. The only thing guiding Nature are its laws, which do not include goals.

Duvenoy

You might point out the human knee and spine. As I've been told that we humans are the very epitomy of creation, it seems odd that a biped, such as ourselves, would be afflicted with such half-assed, jury-rigging. Evolution works with whatever parts happen to be laying around the shop. Thus, our chronic back pain and blown knees, and the wealth of our orthopedic surgeons.

doov

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Jet Grind

You could use the example that Richard Dawkins used in his book Climbing Mount Improbable. Basically, you take a rock, and start breeding from it. Keep throwing away, over a long period of time, the dull ones. Eventually if you keep doing that you'll get something that can give you a decent shave. Explain that evolution by natural selection is a mindless process that simply kills of defective organisms and leaves the fit ones to prosper.

scigirl

Hi Roller,

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Origian

What exactly is meant by 'perfect'? This could have a major bearing on the way you argue this. If it were to be defined as something along the lines of 'evolution creates organisms that are perfectly suited to their environment' for example, this could be argued for.

Mageth

Evolution has no "goal".

I would also ask what is "perfect"? Note that the earth and its various environments change over time. Therefore, the "perfect" life form is one that can adapt to meet changes in the environment, or even adapt to spread to different environments. The evolutionary mechanisms provide that ability; thus, what is "perfect" for the changing earth/environments is what we find - life capable of evolving. Thus, no one species can ever be said to be in a "perfect" state (perhaps in a "well-fitted state"), for if the environment changes and the species does not, the species will die out. Evolution may be said to be "perfectly suited" for life in a changing environment!

PandaJoe

Being "perfect" is not required to survive. Evolution does not produce "perfect" results, just results that are good enough to survive.

Roller

Thank you all on your responses. Actually, the guy is not a "regular" creationist. He's ok with all of the evolution but he thinks that evolution is a process of making a perfect species (guided by God). I already tried the things you suggested. The problem is, I think I did it in a clumsy way. With these suggestions I can articulate what I want to say in a far better way.

Thank you all!