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Essay / Understanding the Evolutionary Misunderstanding - 1190
The debate between creationists and evolutionists over the origin of modern life on Earth has increasingly come into the spotlight in recent years. Unfortunately, such media coverage has led to distortion and misinterpretation of many related issues. In the article "Five Major Misconceptions About Evolution", Mark Isaak attempts to clarify the true nature of evolutionary theory so that, if it is to be challenged, such arguments can be made on a purely factual basis rather than, as Isaak puts it, “against a set of misunderstandings that people are right to consider ridiculous” (“Misconceptions” para. 1). He presents these misconceptions and his explanation of the flawed logic behind each of them in five main categories: "Evolution has never been observed", "Evolution violates the second law of thermodynamics", "It “There are no transition fossils”, “The theory of evolution”. says that life is born and evolution occurs by chance,” and “evolution is just a theory; it has not been proven” (“Misconceptions” para. 2). By addressing each of these proposed lies individually, Isaak forms a minimally flawed argument that is clear, precise, and effective. Mark Isaak is not the most well-known or established author, but he has written numerous articles, mainly on creation and evolution. problematic, but also on subjects as different as mythology and philosophy (“Home Page”). Although he does not explicitly claim to be an expert on this particular topic, Isaak cites reliable scientific sources like Natural History to support his argument. Isaak does not seem to have a specific target audience. Its emphasis on systematically dissolving common misconceptions indicates that it is aimed at a target audience of creationists... middle of article......anyone who works with (and has) the theory of evolution a good working knowledge) is about to do it. same "team", so to speak, and "finding a better alternative to evolution would allow them to gain fame and fortune" ("Misconceptions" Para. 26), which is a final key example of Isaac's logical sensibility. By avoiding harsh criticism of opposing viewpoints and simply presenting the facts in an understandable manner, Mark Isaak manages to reach as close to a common ground as possible in order to clarify the truth in such a polarized debate. Works CitedIsaak, Mark. “Five major misconceptions about evolution.” The TalkOrigins archives. October 1, 2003. The web. September 8, 2009. .---. "Mark Isaak's homepage." Curiosities of biological nomenclature. August 11, 2008. The web. September 14 2009. .