The theory of evolution deals with the characteristics that favor the successful reproduction and continuation of certain genetic material throughout a species. This means that those organisms that possess the 'desirable' trait(s) will be more successful in procreation.
But does this theory account for the human concept of 'Free Will' or the ability to critically approach decisions and option out of following biological impulses?
Civilization has reached the point where the survival of the human species is not threatened. As the Apex animal on this planet, we among ALL other creatures were gifted intellect far beyond comparison than our evolutionary ancestors. This means that our ability to think, reason, and creatively solve problems aided in our survival and was favored by evolution as evidenced by our progress today; however, since our survival isn't jeopardized we have have turned our intellect towards improving the quality of our own lives.
We have reached such an abundance of population that we can afford to have war, commit genocides, promote racial tensions, and generally fight within ourselves. Rather than work towards collective freedom, we seem to be racing towards a war of resources. Here, only a certain few will control the flow of precious resources needed to survive, effectively enslaving and creating dependance by the masses. This has always been the case throughout history.
In the absence of natural predators, humans will turn on themselves in order to ensure their quality of life remains the same or higher. Might is Right!
Before there were institutions that provided instruction, guidance, and a thought provoking atmosphere, there was Religion. Evidence suggests that even the earliest recorded humans possessed belief in the supernatural. This concept explained what Man was unable to reason. Ritual became necessary to pass on the teachings from one generation to the next. As with most social structures, there was a class ranking in which the religious caste remained in favorable circumstance.
For better or worse, religion was to remain in the world.
It was a powerful construct that lent guidance, community, entertainment, and education to the tribal masses. It also provided power, stability, and political influence for the Priest and Ruling Class. Seemingly a Win/win for all...
The invention of religion might simply be Man's reaction to the perception of "intelligent design" in the Universe. Furthermore, it also gives meaning and direction to something that we are unable to comprehend as finite humans. It seems to rely on the collective cooperation of others like biological cells in a tissue, or tissues in an organ, or even organs supporting a body.
History and science shows us that human nature is corrupt and that "Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely". Power is capable of the 'holy' crusades, political wars, and all slavery in every culture. Power is also capable of creating medicines and cures, voyaging boldly into space, and ending conflict by encouraging peace. While not intrinsically good or evil, it seems that there is a mad dash for the acquisition of Power and Dominion. (The Human Race)
Whether this is biologically linked to the survival of the fittest, or resides in the human capacity to choose which 'religious/political' ideology to subscribe, we are constantly embattled with the choice to fight or succumb to one or the other.
But does this theory account for the human concept of 'Free Will' or the ability to critically approach decisions and option out of following biological impulses?
Civilization has reached the point where the survival of the human species is not threatened. As the Apex animal on this planet, we among ALL other creatures were gifted intellect far beyond comparison than our evolutionary ancestors. This means that our ability to think, reason, and creatively solve problems aided in our survival and was favored by evolution as evidenced by our progress today; however, since our survival isn't jeopardized we have have turned our intellect towards improving the quality of our own lives.
We have reached such an abundance of population that we can afford to have war, commit genocides, promote racial tensions, and generally fight within ourselves. Rather than work towards collective freedom, we seem to be racing towards a war of resources. Here, only a certain few will control the flow of precious resources needed to survive, effectively enslaving and creating dependance by the masses. This has always been the case throughout history.
In the absence of natural predators, humans will turn on themselves in order to ensure their quality of life remains the same or higher. Might is Right!
Before there were institutions that provided instruction, guidance, and a thought provoking atmosphere, there was Religion. Evidence suggests that even the earliest recorded humans possessed belief in the supernatural. This concept explained what Man was unable to reason. Ritual became necessary to pass on the teachings from one generation to the next. As with most social structures, there was a class ranking in which the religious caste remained in favorable circumstance.
For better or worse, religion was to remain in the world.
It was a powerful construct that lent guidance, community, entertainment, and education to the tribal masses. It also provided power, stability, and political influence for the Priest and Ruling Class. Seemingly a Win/win for all...
The invention of religion might simply be Man's reaction to the perception of "intelligent design" in the Universe. Furthermore, it also gives meaning and direction to something that we are unable to comprehend as finite humans. It seems to rely on the collective cooperation of others like biological cells in a tissue, or tissues in an organ, or even organs supporting a body.
History and science shows us that human nature is corrupt and that "Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely". Power is capable of the 'holy' crusades, political wars, and all slavery in every culture. Power is also capable of creating medicines and cures, voyaging boldly into space, and ending conflict by encouraging peace. While not intrinsically good or evil, it seems that there is a mad dash for the acquisition of Power and Dominion. (The Human Race)
Whether this is biologically linked to the survival of the fittest, or resides in the human capacity to choose which 'religious/political' ideology to subscribe, we are constantly embattled with the choice to fight or succumb to one or the other.
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