Rob wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I have a limited understanding of Evolution (A-Level), so please
> excuse me if my understanding is not correct.  I want to know if there
> is any research that discusses the direction of evolution.  Sure as we
> evolve we adapt to best suit the current environment but that isn't to
> say that evolution is a 'good thing' as it is generally assumed?  Just
> because we evolve, it doesn't mean we become a better species, just
> better able to cope with the current environment?  Is statement true?
> 
There's a joyous little book entitled "The Temptations of Evolutionary 
Ethics" by Paul Lawrence Farber, in which the author argues that where 
people have tried to build their ethical systems on the basis that 
evolution is "right" (morally), they've made a mess of things.  So, 
basically I think you're right, unless you take a very narrow view of 
what is meant by being a better species.

Bob

-- 
Bob O'Hara
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
P.O. Box 68 (Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2b)
FIN-00014 University of Helsinki
Finland

Telephone: +358-9-191 51479
Mobile: +358 50 599 0540
Fax:  +358-9-191 51400
WWW:  http://www.RNI.Helsinki.FI/~boh/
Journal of Negative Results - EEB: www.jnr-eeb.org
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