Topic 3 the Place of Humans in the Universe Flashcards
Outline the theory of evolution?
- Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution =
1. Animals produce offspring - many die
2. Survival of those who are best suited to environment (natural selection)
3. These live longer and produce more offspring
4. Offspring inherit beneficial traits from parents
5. These small beneficial changes can over time cause huge divergence between species
Many non religious people see that ____ are part of the ______ and therefore are just ______
Many non religious people see that humans are part of the evolutionary process and therefore are just more sophisticated animals
What does Peter Singer believe?
- people shouldn’t have elevated pos over animals - they are the same
- to elevate humans is speciesist as there is no distinction between us and other animals
What do anthropologists argue?
- place of humans is to lead and guide where they live and be in charge of both animals + environment
- because of the sophisticated way in which we have organised ourselves into communities, have a sense of morality + language
Why do some non religious people believe that the place of humans is to look after each other and the world?
- top of evolutionary ladder
- these responsibilities lie with us
What does Gen 1:26 tell Christians about the place of humans in the universe?
- God created man in his own image (imago dei)
- place of man above animals as he is only one who was created in this elevated position
What does the timing of the creation of humans in both accounts show us about the place of humans?
Gen 1: last, pinnacle of creation
Gen 2: first
Both show how mankind is above other species
What does Gen 1:28 tell us?
God says humans are to rule over all creatures of the Earth, be dominant
Also called to multiply and ‘subdue’ the Earth, suggesting that man is above animals-more important than earth itself (environment, dominance)
