The Impact of Death on Belief in Intelligent Design vs. Evolution
Evolution claims that through the process of natural selection, the best genetic traits are passed to offspring. The theory of intelligent design states that life can only be explained if there is an intelligent being leading the process. As demonstrated in Jessica L. Tracey’s paper, “Death and Science: The Existential Underpinnings of Belief in Intelligent Design and Discomfort with Evolution,” many turn to intelligent design in a search for meaning when faced with their own mortality. Despite the scientific proof supporting evolutionary theory, intelligent design is a worthwhile theory because it provides people with what they seek, which is purpose and meaning.
Evolutionary theorists believe there’s no meaning to our existence, denying the possibility of a soul or afterlife. For these scientists, human life is a result of the same forces of nature that are …show more content…
Once sufficient “mortality salience” was achieved, they were then instructed to read works on both evolution and intelligent design. Afterwards, the participants were asked a series of questions concerning their attitudes toward intelligent design and evolutionary theory. The results of the study found that, when faced with their own mortality, individuals chose to believe in intelligent design (as opposed to evolution). The results of the study were in no way affected by any ideologies or preexisting attitudes toward evolution, education or religiosity.
Humanity has a yearning to find a greater sense of purpose in life and the desire to attach meaning to the world, especially to stave off existential threats. Our primary psychological motives are largely responsible for influencing our beliefs, especially when it involves maintaining our own psychological security. We all are subject to these psychological motives, even if most are
Evolution claims that through the process of natural selection, the best genetic traits are passed to offspring. The theory of intelligent design states that life can only be explained if there is an intelligent being leading the process. As demonstrated in Jessica L. Tracey’s paper, “Death and Science: The Existential Underpinnings of Belief in Intelligent Design and Discomfort with Evolution,” many turn to intelligent design in a search for meaning when faced with their own mortality. Despite the scientific proof supporting evolutionary theory, intelligent design is a worthwhile theory because it provides people with what they seek, which is purpose and meaning.
Evolutionary theorists believe there’s no meaning to our existence, denying the possibility of a soul or afterlife. For these scientists, human life is a result of the same forces of nature that are …show more content…
Once sufficient “mortality salience” was achieved, they were then instructed to read works on both evolution and intelligent design. Afterwards, the participants were asked a series of questions concerning their attitudes toward intelligent design and evolutionary theory. The results of the study found that, when faced with their own mortality, individuals chose to believe in intelligent design (as opposed to evolution). The results of the study were in no way affected by any ideologies or preexisting attitudes toward evolution, education or religiosity.
Humanity has a yearning to find a greater sense of purpose in life and the desire to attach meaning to the world, especially to stave off existential threats. Our primary psychological motives are largely responsible for influencing our beliefs, especially when it involves maintaining our own psychological security. We all are subject to these psychological motives, even if most are