Is Human Evolution Driven by Intended Goals or Merely Random Processes?

When it comes to the mate selection criteria of women, research often points to physical appearance, particularly muscle size and strength, as a primary factor influencing their choices. This raises the question: is our evolution biased towards physical prowess over intellectual or emotional traits? Some might argue that this inclination suggests we are evolving to be a society of 'massive muscle-bound dorks,' while others might believe this is a natural byproduct of our cultural and societal standards.

Examination of 'Intended Evolution'

To delve deeper into this topic, let us look at the writings of Bob Zhang and Dongxun Zhang, authors of the book Intended Evolution. The excerpt that caught the attention of many readers raised questions about the mechanisms driving human evolution. According to their book, because humans possess a unique ability to understand the processes of evolution, we might be on a path intended for a specific purpose.

However, upon closer examination, the idea that organisms possess an 'internal intention' or 'drive to evolve' seems speculative and contrary to established scientific understanding. Evolution, according to modern biology, is a random and natural process driven by genetic variation and environmental pressures. There is no evidence to support the notion that evolution has a predetermined purpose or direction, let alone an intended one.

Critique of the Authors and Their Work

The Amazon synopsis of Intended Evolution suggests that the book draws from theory and extrapolation rather than empirical data. This is a hallmark of many works written by individuals who base their theories on armchair speculation rather than rigorous research. Dongxun Zhang, in the book's introduction, acknowledges that their discussion is more theoretical and extrapolative rather than based on researched data. This admission of speculative nature further undermines the scientific credibility of the book.

Both authors lack formal training in the field of biology, and their work appears to be self-published through a company known for coloring books and "very aggressive speed to market requirements." This suggests that their book may not have undergone peer review by experts in the field of evolution. The hasty production process does not bode well for the scientific accuracy of their claims.

Conclusion

Given the lack of credible evidence supporting the concept of 'intended evolution,' it is clear that this book will not change the scientific community's understanding of genetic development or evolution. Instead, it remains a product of speculative thinking rather than empirical science. While it might generate interesting discussions among laypeople, it should be treated with skepticism from a scientific standpoint.

The scientific understanding of human evolution is firmly rooted in the natural and random processes of genetic variation and environmental selection. While mate selection criteria may play a role in influencing population traits, this does not imply that evolution is directed by any intentional goals.