Debater's Choice

The morality of man did not evolve through the mutation of DNA. Evolution is a theory based an analysis of empirical evidence (i.e. the structures of some species corresponding with those of others). I won't be assuming the abusive position of epistemological cynic, don't worry. For the purposes of this debate, let us assume the theory of evolution is a fact. My opponent says: "I am trying to prove that DNA is the base morality-inducing agent, and that even though there are other factors that influence morality, like social influence, natural disasters, etc., without the evolution of such genes, there will be no moral complex present in an organism's race" PRO's basic stance is this: morality's evolution is largely due to genetic mutations. In other words, the main causal factor to human society's changing moral standards is due to notable alterations in the human genetic sequence. Let me provide further insight into the theory of evolution: Evolution is the gradual adaptive change of a species as a whole toward the development of physiological functions that enhance the species' reproductive/survival abilities. A large society of finches (birds), for example, live within the confinements of an island with very unique environmental conditions. In this example, the only food source available to the species are nuts contained within tough shell barriers. Obviously the finches who are not able to break this barrier will starve. Evolution metes out the incapable. The large majority of surviving finches are the ones with better shell-breaking functions. Indeed, this finch example has actually been observed by the notorious Charles Darwin. He traversed the Galapagos Islands, making biological/behavioral observations of each islands inhabitants. He noticed several distinct species of finches. These finches were undoubtedly different. Each specie could only breed with those of the same specie. Despite the differences between these species of finches, Darwin realized that there were actual very remarkable similarities. The birds shared many physical traits, some were almost indistinguishable but for singular physiological differences which were local to the island in which they inhabited. Darwin assumed a logical stance asserting that each specie of finch were different to adapt to differing environmental circumstances. This branching of species was noted thus: "Seeing this gradation and diversity of structure in one small, intimately related group of birds, one might really fancy that from an original paucity of birds in this archipelago, one species had been taken and modified for different ends".[1] Of course, we cannot be absolutely positive that these observations are, in irrefutable fact, the indubitable cause of the different species' existences, but, again, please assume, for the purposes of this debate, that evolution is an established fact (since my opponent's resolution hinges on its authenticity.) Let us apply this to my opponent's statement that morality is 'evolved' by gene-mutations. Humanity, any species for that matter, is constantly working to maintain its survival. Humanity's strength is in its cooperation. The first establishment of human civilization allowed for the first instances of sustained leisure. Before, constant nomadic life had kept the bulk of homo sapiens busy securing food and shelter. The transient nature of their insecure surroundings left no room for greater developments. Farming and livestock raising was revolutionary. Not only did the constant worry of tracking the food keep the people on their toes; it also limited their physical/mental labors to food and shelter. The coagulation of the human species into stationary farming units left leeway for leisure. With this freetime, man eventually developed a plethora of tools, allowing him to perform a large variety of tasks with greater ease than ever before. The development of non-survival based skills such as music, art, etc. flourished. Societal coagulation necessitates a system of behavior to keep the unit from self implosion. If society is unable to coexist peacefully, then this inability will harm the society's survival capabilities. This is evident in peoples killing each other, in wars and other similar conflicts. Changing conditions required changing systems of morality to adapt to these conditions. Societies in the past had moral systems that justified slavery. As time progressed, slavery began losing its justified status. Today, no society openly practices slavery. This is an evident change. Note the difference between this theoretical process of change, and that of genetic mutation. By specifically naming DNA mutation, my opponent makes a leap from evolution adaptation to genetic mutation. Obviously, the change from slavery to anti slavery, when such change was openly initiated, only took our moral system a couple centuries. However, even evolution-theorists agree that genetic evolutionary mutation take tens, hundreds of thousands of years. The development of homo sapien sapiens (us) did not occur for millions of years. The first noted species of the homo - X series preceded homo sapien sapiens by incalculable years (homo erectus, australopithisans, etc.). Homo sapiens (homo sapien neanderthals among others) arrived only in this recent span of years (~20k+ years). My opponent's case is groundless since the change in morality, its evolution, cannot be due to genetic mutation; species-affecting mutations are shown to only occur over extremely long periods of time (tens-hundreds of thousands of years.) As with the slavery-case, the evolution of slavery-justifying moral systems occurred only in a short span of centuries. In summary: My position states that, rather than genetic mutations, variants of a specie gain prominence due to adaptive factors. Those with the capacity for a certain type of survival/reproduction enhancing morality already exist. Selective reproductive patterns (Kindness, for example, is a generically favored trait among dating site applicants) give these individuals a better chance at producing offspring. More kind individuals are produced, less kind individuals diminish. Over time, according to my premise, kindness will become a dominant trait. Society in aggregate can then be said to have changed in favor of kindness. There was no actual genetic mutation involved. *Passes baton* [1] http://en.wikipedia.org...'s_finches