CHAPTER V - FINAL CAUSE IN EVOLUTION

Summary

Farther Evidence of Purpose.—It is very generally admitted by evolutionists, by none more fully than Professor Huxley, that the theory of Evolution does not undermine or interfere in any way with the ordinary doctrine of Final Cause. The adaptation of one object or agent to another and their coöperation to accomplish a good end, to give a life and plan to the plant and comfort to the animal, are fondly believed by the great body of mankind to be a proof of design and of a designing mind. The force of the argument is not lessened by the circumstance that the skilful structures have been inherited. If man could produce a machine which not only does its work, say a watch to keep time, but genders another machine of a like kind with itself, every one would be impressed with the ingenuity of the structure. So the very circumstance that a plant and animal can reproduce another plant and animal is an evidence of a more far-sighted design. Evolution does not lessen the force of the teleological argument. The question is started, May not the union and conspiracy of forces involved in Evolution furnish new proof, as it certainly supplies new illustrations, of purpose and ends?

As there are still so many unfilled-up gaps in the evolutionary process, I would speak on the subject cautiously and with reserve.