chapter I 



The Common Sense of 

 The Evolution Question 



THERE has been so much controversy about " evolu- 

 tion," that the person who wants to make up his mind 

 for himself finds it very difficult to get the necessary 

 information without prejudice. One who starts his inquiry 

 with an open mind finds it difficult even to obtain definitions 

 that make clear what the discussion is all about. Indeed, it is 

 fair to ask whether it is ever possible for anyone who knows 

 a great deal about a subject of dispute to state the facts with- 

 out prejudice. Even where we intend to be perfectly fair, 

 each of us must be influenced to a greater or less degree by 

 his own views in selecting the facts. It is nevertheless possible 

 to recognize some of the difficulties and problems in the mind 

 of one's opponent or in the mind of the doubter, and to try 

 to give at least a clear statement of one's views and of his 

 reasons. 



Conclusions versus Facts 



Whenever there is heated or prolonged controversy about 

 any subject, most of the debate and argument concern them- 

 selves with conclusions. Each partizan does indeed muster 

 an array of " facts " to support his conclusions, or to dis- 

 credit the conclusions of his opponent. But the difficulties 

 lie deeper. When we are not ourselves deeply stirred, we can 

 observe that those taking part in a controversy or dispute 

 usually differ as to the meanings which they attach to im- 

 portant terms. Or they differ as to the values which they 

 place upon various objectives, actions, or relations. Or they 



