Biology Quote by Anonymous
![“[E]volution is not a cause, but the description of a process … Can we in any way explain the origin of species? Are we to suppose that each species, or what we regard as a species, originated in the fiat of an almighty power? Or are we to suppose that we are to go indefinitely backwards, and…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b6/george-gabriel-stokes-169397_biology_e-volution-is-not-a-cause-but-the-descri_1817566.jpg)
““[E]volution is not a cause, but the description of a process … Can we in any way explain the origin of species? Are we to suppose that each species, or what we regard as a species, originated in the fiat of an almighty power? Or are we to suppose that we are to go indefinitely backwards, and affirm that a chain of secondary causation is to be continued indefinitely backwards? … The treatment of evolution as a cause, capable of leading us on indefinitely, tends to shut out the idea of a First Cause; its treatment as a possible mode of sequence, leading us a step or two onwards, still leaves the mind directed towards a First Cause, though ‘Clouds and darkness are round about Him.’ [cf. Psalm 97] … Remember, Evolution does not mean a cause.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, philosophical discussion on evolution
The quote argues that evolution describes a process, not a cause, and questions the need for a First Cause in explaining species origins.
In simple terms: Evolution explains change, not why it started.
Key Takeaway
Consider evolution as a process, not a cause.
Themes
philosophy
science
theology
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal reflection
- teaching
- writing
Key Concepts
causality
process
origin
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing evolution as a process affect your worldview?
- Can a process exist without a cause?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex scientific theories.
![“My one and only piece of relevant evidence [for an Aristotelian God] is the apparent impossibility of providing a naturalistic theory of the origin from DNA of the first reproducing species ... [In fact] the only reason which I have for beginning to think of believing in a First Cause god is the…” quote by Antony Flew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/195/antony-flew-26504_accounts_my-one-and-only-piece-of-relevant-eviden_2532987.jpg)
