Ambiguity Quote by Jonathan Wells
““The many meanings of 'evolution' are frequently exploited by Darwinists to distract their critics. Eugenie Scott recommends: 'Define evolution as an issue of the history of the planet: as the way we try to understand change through time. The present is different from the past. Evolution happened, there is no debate within science as to whether it happened, and so on... I have used this approach at the college level.' Of course, no college student—indeed, no grade-school dropout— doubts that 'the present is different from the past.' Once Scott gets them nodding in agreement, she gradually introduces them to 'The Big Idea' that all species—including monkeys and humans—are related through descent from a common ancestor... This tactic is called 'equivocation'—changing the meaning of a term in the middle of an argument.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Talk on Evolution, 2015
Darwinists often shift definitions of evolution to avoid criticism, using equivocation to introduce complex ideas gradually.
In simple terms: Changing terms to dodge critique.
Key Takeaway
Beware of shifting definitions in debates.
Themes
science communication
argumentation
evolution
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- college biology class
- public debate
- media analysis
Key Concepts
equivocation
semantic drift
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you spot equivocation?
- What evidence solidifies evolutionary theory?
A Different Perspective
Listeners may still accept flawed arguments.
