So would it be fair to say that evolution of humans has been halted by civilization?

[lleigh037963]

If humans are as special as we are taught through religious dogma, then yes, "civility" and thought have halted the advancement of our species, via fear.Governments work hand in hand with philosophies, as they are converted into "positive Law" and code. What happens is monetary issues, religious sentiment, and political pressure get in the way of things like medical advances, technology advances, and people feeling like they are free to philosophize. These are all things that could greatly impact our evolution and advancement as a species.......but they often run into opposition via the various systems explain earlier

[kijafha]

No, humans are not evolving. There's two components to evolution. Genetic variation or mutation and "survival of the fittest" or the inferior members of the species dying off according to their genetics or being replaced by faster growing populations.We no longer allow the inferior humans to die off. We give them drugs and medical care and social services. That's the reason why humans are so over-populated.Also, because of the conditions of modern economics and power structures, we are actually encouraging the growth of populations of human beings that are more open to suggestion, less ambitious and less intelligent.So no, theres not enough members of the human species dying off over time to facilitate evolution. However, if religions keep populations of gullible, over-breeding people growing, then we may be evolving into a species of over-populated, superstitious, unintelligent suckers.Moral of the story: if you have a degree and half a brain, shut up and have some kids, or you'll be replaced by idiots.

[FSX2136]

Biologically, we are ALWAYS evolving. If our environment changes (i.e. we live in comfortable homes with 75° A/C temperature, and we sit around all day and eat Doritos) we will continue to adapt and change accordingly. If we are dying because of obesity and heart disease, eventually, natural selection will choose those who aren't affected by a sedentary life.Until we are perfectly suited to our surroundings (which is nearly impossible, as they are constantly changing) human evolution will continue to take place over thousands of years.

[Jane5175]

I'm not sure if my thought speaks directly to your question, but lately I've been thinking about the voters in WV and KY. Many of them would vote Republican before voting for a black candidate - even though this is against their economic interests. I almost see this as a "test" of sorts. Who's giving the test? God maybe - if you believe in God. Karma - if you believe in that. Laws of the Universe - whatever. But it doesn't seem like an accident to me that becoming socially advanced also gives you freedom from the overly emotional sideline issues that make you vote against your economic interests. I also wonder if it's a self-perpetuating cycle because those who need the govt help for education, cannot bring themselves to vote in such a way that they get the funding they need for that education, so they never progress socially to the point where they're not so easy to manipulate.Case in point: Hillary's manipulation over "guns", "religion", "elitism" - and finally "hard-working whites." If they can't learn to spot this type of manipulation, in the General Election it'll be the Republicans spitting it back at them. Because it works!!! If we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it.