EVOLUTION: FACT OR PHILOSOPHY?
by Jan Young
An online book.
A non-religious critique of evolution geared toward the
junior high/high school level.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: WHY QUESTION EVOLUTION
What is Evolution?
Why Should You Care?
Did Evolution Happen?
Looking at Both Sides
Chapter 2: THE BIG BANG THEORY
The Case for Evolution
The Big Bang and Evolution
From Big Bang To A Complete Universe
The Development of the Big Bang Theory
Problems with the Big Bang Theory
1. The Cosmic Egg
2. Method of Study
3. Accuracy of Measurement
4. From Big Bang to Universe
5. The Hubble Constant
6. The Term “Create”
Conclusion
Chapter 3: THE ORIGIN OF LIFE
The Case for Evolution
From Chemicals To Life
Spontaneous Generation
Out of This World
The Latest Theories
Man-made Life
Problems with Evolution
1. The Definition of Life
2. Experimental Proof
3. Life from Non-life
4. The Chicken or the Egg?
5. The Second Law of Thermodynamics
6. Natural Selection
7. The Simplest Form of Life
8. Probability
Conclusion
Chapter 4: FOSSILS
The Case for Evolution
The Geologic Record
The Geologic Timetable
Two Views of Geologic History
Problems with Evolution
1. Dating Methods
2. The Geologic Column
3. No Gradual Change
4. Punctuated Equilibrium
5. Plants
6. Unusual Locations
7. The Fossil Horse Series
8. Earth Age (Mount St. Helens, Grand Canyon, Cave Formations)
9. Living Fossils
Conclusion
Chapter 5: RADIOACTIVE DATING
The Case for Evolution
Radioactivity
Problems with Evolution
1. Initial Properties of Rocks
2. Rates of Decay
3. Disposable Dates
4. Errors in Dating
Conclusion
Chapter 6: THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF EVOLUTION
The Case for Evolution
Natural Selection
Mutations
Biological Proofs for Evolution
Species
Rapid Change
Problems with Evolution
1. Defining Evolution
2. Natural Selection
3. Mutations
4. Punctuated Equilibrium
5. Random Change
6. Homology
7. Embryology
8. Vestigial Organs
9. Molecular Biology
10. Biological Mysteries
11. Complexity vs. Simplicity
Conclusion
Chapter 7: TRANSITIONAL FORMS
The Case for Evolution
The Family Tree
Examples of Transitional Forms
Problems with Evolution
1. The Argument of Logic
2. Do Transitional Forms Exist?
3. Frequently Cited Transitionals
4. Archaeopteryx
5. The Missing Link?
Conclusion
Chapter 8: TWO VIEWS IN THE CLASSROOM
The Scientific Method
Protecting the Status Quo
Philosophical and Religious Implications
Science Redefined
Present Both Views
End Material:
Suggestions for Further Reading
Glossary
Bibliography
Copyright 2003 Jan Young
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