While evolutionary theory provides comprehensive explanations for many aspects of biological diversity and the development of life, there are certain questions that it either does not address or cannot fully answer. Three examples of questions:
Question # 1: How did life on Earth begin?
The Earth is approximately 4.54 billion years old. This age is determined through various scientific methods, primarily radiometric age dating of meteorite material and Earth rocks, as well as through the dating of lunar samples. These methods involve measuring the ratios of different isotopes in these materials, which provides a reliable estimate of the time elapsed since they formed.
Evolution explains the diversity of life and how species change over time. However, evolution does not explain how life began. The study of life’s origins is the domain of abiogenesis. Abiogenesis is the idea that on Earth, life arose from nonlife. Abiogenesis proposes that the first life on Earth emerged through the spontaneous emergence of a simple replicating system, which was initially fragile. Through a gradual process, life forms became increasingly complex. The process of abiogenesis was governed by underlying physico-chemical principles. The processes of abiogenesis and biological evolution are directly related to one another. In spite of recent rapid development of biology, chemistry, Earth science and astronomy, the origin of life (abiogenesis) continues to be a great mystery in science.
Question # 2: Why are we here?
Questions about the ultimate purpose or meaning of life are philosophical or theological in nature. Evolutionary theory describes how life develops and adapts, but it does not address why life exists in a broader existential sense. Being asked by his children why they are here, John Lennox responded, “Because I wanted you to be.”
Question # 3: What is fair?
Evolution does not dictate / prescribe / determine moral or ethical norms. An example is the question “What is fair?” Asking ChatGPT the question What are fair algorithms and AI systems? I learned that the ethical considerations are among key aspects of fair algorithms and AI systems: “Fair algorithms should adhere to ethical principles and guidelines – including principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. This involves considering the broader societal impacts of the system and ensuring that it promotes the well-being of all individuals and communities.”
Sources of inspiration:
https://chatgpt.com/share/1237eb69-7723-49e1-9ba3-7f8c78069796
https://chatgpt.com/share/dbd7ca63-24f4-4144-abf6-6b0db35ef28b
https://chatgpt.com/share/0fdc413a-87e1-4aae-bb5f-36e8a412b3d6
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718341/
https://you.com/search?q=What+are+the+most+important+questions+that+cannot+be+answered+by+evolution%3F&cid=c1_9d7cb0b9-3c4e-482c-96f9-8ff1e60fba23&tbm=youchat
Inspiration to create 