Political Affiliations and Their Stance on Evolution

When examining political affiliations, it becomes evident that conservatives are more likely to reject evolutionary theory than their liberal counterparts. A 2012 Gallup Poll highlighted that 58% of conservatives believe that God created humans in their current form within the last 10,000 years, while merely 5% accept the idea that humans evolved without divine intervention.

This trend might seem predictable, given the conservative adherence to biblical teachings, which often clash with evolutionary science. However, the question arises: how many liberals outright reject the theory of evolution? Is it more than 50%? Somewhere between 25% and 50%? Or less than 25%? Surprisingly, the answer is between 25% and 50%. In fact, 41% of liberals subscribe to the belief that God created humans in their present form within the last 10,000 years, with only 19% asserting that evolution occurred without divine involvement.

The Concept of Cognitive Creationism

One might wonder why a considerable number of liberals, who are often seen as advocates for science, still hold onto beliefs that contradict evolutionary theory. Michael Shermer attributes this to what he terms "cognitive creationism." This term refers to the resistance against applying evolutionary principles to human behavior and society, stemming from concerns about the implications for social policies aimed at improving humanity.

Many liberals adhere to a "blank slate" ideology, believing that human minds are shaped entirely by cultural influences, thus denying any evolutionary impact on human thoughts and behaviors. This mindset has contributed to the emergence of what some call "wokeism," where many social concepts are viewed as mere constructs.

The Paradox of Extremes

It's fascinating to observe the parallels between extreme ideologies on both the left and right. Recently, I explored the surprising similarities between feminists and disgruntled incels, and now we see a similar dynamic between far-right and far-left groups. Both extremes are so deeply invested in their beliefs that they often dismiss scientific evidence. This creates a barrier to rational discourse; whether dealing with devout conservatives or fervent progressives, it becomes clear that they are more invested in their ideologies than in seeking objective truth.

The first video, "The Left's War on Science," delves into the conflicts between scientific understanding and various belief systems, further illustrating the tensions at play in contemporary discussions.

The second video, "Liberals and conservatives: The biology of political differences," examines the biological factors that may contribute to differing political beliefs, adding another layer to the ongoing debate about science and ideology.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the interplay of ego and belief systems creates significant obstacles to understanding and accepting scientific principles across the political spectrum. This entrenched mindset prevents individuals from acknowledging the evidence that contradicts their beliefs, leading to a polarized discourse in society.