Understanding Evolution: A Pathway to Greater Tolerance
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Chapter 1: The Role of Evolution in Promoting Tolerance
Belief in evolution fosters a greater acceptance of individuals who may appear different from us. A recent study substantiates this idea and advocates for the inclusion of evolution education in schools.
Reflecting on my high school days, I recall reading "Inherit the Wind," a dramatized account of the infamous "Scopes Monkey Trial" of 1925. In this case, John Scopes, a teacher in Dayton, Tennessee, faced charges for teaching evolution in a public school, igniting a fierce clash between modernists and fundamentalists. This trial drew immense media attention, with two renowned lawyers representing opposing sides.
“In the play, the lack of belief in evolution revealed a stark intolerance. Opponents labeled evolutionists as ‘sinners’ and ‘infidels,’ while the proponents exhibited a more rational and open-minded demeanor.”
A recent article in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology echoes this sentiment. Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered that disbelief in human evolution correlates with elevated levels of prejudice, racist sentiments, and support for discriminatory practices against Blacks, immigrants, and the LGBTQ community in the United States. The same trend was observed globally, indicating that in regions like Eastern Europe and the Middle East, those denying evolution were more inclined towards prejudice and resistant to conflict resolution with other groups.
Section 1.1: Understanding the Study's Hypothesis
The study originated from the insights of Stylianos Syropoulos, a PhD candidate in the university’s War and Peace Lab. His premise suggested that believing in evolution would enhance our connection to humanity as a whole. The underlying theory posits that acknowledging a shared ancestry diminishes prejudice against those who are different. Syropoulos articulated it succinctly: “Individuals who view themselves as closely related to animals tend to exhibit more positive attitudes towards marginalized groups.”
The researchers compiled data from eight global studies, factoring in education levels, political views, religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and scientific literacy in their analysis.
Subsection 1.1.1: Consistent Findings Across Studies
“We consistently found that belief in evolution correlates with reduced prejudice, regardless of group affiliation, even after controlling for various alternative explanations,” said Syropoulos.
While the researchers acknowledge that racists have misused evolutionary theory to justify their views—such as white supremacists and eugenicists who distort Darwin's "survival of the fittest"—the prevailing findings suggest the opposite: that belief in evolution has beneficial effects.
Section 1.2: The Positive Impacts of Belief in Evolution
Professor Bernhard Leidner, who leads the War and Peace Lab, emphasized that this pattern holds across diverse political systems. “It was thrilling to demonstrate that belief in evolution is linked to positive social outcomes,” he noted.
In the United States, those who reject evolution exhibit higher levels of prejudice against marginalized groups, including Blacks and the LGBTQ community. Conversely, Israelis who accept evolution are more likely to favor peaceful coexistence with Palestinians and the Arab world. Similarly, Muslims who acknowledge evolution show less prejudice towards Christians and Jews, and Orthodox Christians in Eastern Europe who accept evolutionary science display reduced bias against Romani, Jews, and Muslims.
Chapter 2: Rethinking Our Narratives
The first video explores the compatibility of belief in God and evolution. It discusses how these perspectives can coexist harmoniously, promoting understanding and acceptance.
The second video presents a debate between Darwinism and Creationism, delving into the truths of evolution and the implications for belief systems.
The tension surrounding these topics reflects how scientific advancements challenge traditional narratives about our existence and place in the world. This tension has historically led to the marginalization of those deemed different, a tragic reality highlighted throughout the 20th century.
However, emerging research is revealing a science-based narrative that champions tolerance and universal acceptance. Rather than being a source of fear, belief in evolution may steer us toward a more harmonious society.
Professor Leidner asserts, “Instructing students about evolution appears to foster traits conducive to a better society.” With this in mind, the researchers aim to focus on effective methods for teaching evolution in schools, striving to amplify the myriad benefits associated with this belief system.
We always have more to learn if we dare to know.
Learn more:
- Disbelief in Human Evolution Linked to Greater Prejudice and Racism
- Bigotry and the human-animal divide: (Dis)belief in human evolution and bigoted attitudes across different cultures
- Human Tolerance Evolved from Living in Harsh Contexts
- Friendly People Ensured Human Survival
- Friendly Faces Drove Human Evolution
