The Map§

Ten pillars, four lenses.

Each pillar is a claim the theory depends on, as it is taught in schools and universities. Each lens is a way of looking across all of them. Open any one to see its claim cards.

THEModernSYNTHESIS1Deep Time2Fossils3Common Descent4Mutation← start here!5Selection6Pop. Genetics7Micro → Macro8Molecular9Human Origins10Origin of LifeiInformationiiPhilosophyiiiGenesisivFrom Within

Index of pillars & lenses

  1. 1Deep TimeThe claim that Earth's rock layers record billions of years, measured by radiometric dating.In preparation · 3 planned
  2. 2The Fossil RecordFossils are said to document the gradual transitions between major groups that the theory predicts. What do the rocks actually show?3 claim cards
  3. 3Common DescentAll living things are said to share one ancestor, as shown by homology, the tree of life and embryology. Are the similarities evidence of descent, of design, or of both?3 claim cards
  4. 4Mutation & New InformationThe theory needs a source of genuinely new genetic information: new genes, new protein folds, new systems. Textbooks name random mutation, sifted by natural selection. How well does the evidence hold up?3 claim cards
  5. 5Natural SelectionSelection acting on variation is said to explain adaptation and design-like features.In preparation · 3 planned
  6. 6Population GeneticsThe mathematics of how genes spread through populations over time.In preparation · 3 planned
  7. 7Micro → MacroSmall observed changes, given enough time, are said to add up to new body plans.In preparation · 2 planned
  8. 8Molecular EvidenceDNA similarities, pseudogenes and ERVs are presented as signatures of shared ancestry.In preparation · 3 planned
  9. 9Human OriginsHumans are said to share an ancestor with chimpanzees within the last several million years.In preparation · 3 planned
  10. 10Origin of LifeTaught alongside the synthesis: life arose from non-living chemistry.In preparation · 3 planned
  11. iInformation & DesignWhat is biological information, and what kinds of causes are known to produce it?In preparation · 1 planned
  12. iiPhilosophy of ScienceMethodological naturalism, falsifiability, and what counts as a scientific explanation.In preparation · 2 planned
  13. iiiTheology & GenesisGenesis as history: creation, the Fall, death before sin, and the Flood. These are considered carefully and graciously.In preparation · 2 planned
  14. ivVoices from WithinMainstream scientists who question the synthesis: the Royal Society 2016 meeting, the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis, Noble and Shapiro.In preparation · 1 planned