The Biased View Since Darwin

Letter to the Editor
Until Darwin, humans were thought to be rational animals created in the image and likeness of God.

Since Darwin, another view has prevailed, that humans are at the end of the evolutionary chain and consequently possess the same powers as other animals but in a greater degree.

On the surface, this view seems correct. Birds build nests. Humans build buildings. Yet, from one generation to another, a given species of bird builds the nest of the previous generation. Humans, on the other hand, build by different means, by different methods, and in a different manner from one generation to another. Humans are artists. Animals are not.

Again, this same view claims that animals are problem-solvers. It is true that animals can solve problems if a biological need exists and the elements are present to the senses. This overlooks the fact that humans solve problems without a biological urgency and without the elements present to the senses.

Humans can do this because they can think abstractly and communicate abstract thought. No animal can do this. Humans possess reason, free will, and abstract thought. So humans differ from other animals in kind, not degree. This is the difference. This difference makes a difference. The West Virginia Department of Education would be shortsighted to teach one biased view and ignore the true characteristics of mankind.

Dr. Lewis Rutherford
Professor of Speech