Table of Contents
An Evolutionary Viewpoint on Human Health and Disease
One of the many debates in modern medicine today is whether or not an evolutionary perspective on human health and disease makes more sense than a medical perspective that is based upon the study of contemporary diseases and their prevention or cure. Evolutionary perspectives emphasize the gradual survival of man through evolving means, and they point out that all of us are the descendants of a monkey looking for trees. As man evolved from monkey to less mobile hominids, he was forced to compete with other species for food, shelter, and sexual purposes. This competition has generated a sense of social cleavage between people and have led, over time, to our present level of material and technological progress. This has resulted in the current problem of too much wealth for too few.
Those who hold a view that modern medicine is inherently defective are commonly referred to as “creationists”. However, those who hold to an evolutionary perspective argue that humans and other species have been given the opportunity to survive by evolving over time and that, through natural selection, some species have developed greater power and ability than others. Because of this competition among various forms of energy and living matter, those species who have the best adapted skills and power have prospered and become the dominant species. As a result, humans have become more capable and knowledgeable about disease, nutrition, fitness, and health.
The primary focus of this view is the comparison of humans and other primates and creatures that exist in nature with respect to their capacity for natural selection and the process of evolution. A cursory glance at the facts demonstrates that there is a close genetic resemblance between human beings and many other primates and animals. In addition, there are many similarities in behavior and lifestyle between humans and these other organisms. Although there are many differences, such as the lack of a large brain, eyes that are fully developed, and a highly developed immune system, there is a general similarity between the way that the human body functions and the way that other animals do.
Evolutionary perspectives argue that one of the major influences on our health today is our diet
A diet that lacks sufficient nutrients and is lacking in calories is one of the major causes of poor health and disease in the modern world. It is important to eat a well balanced diet and to make certain that the food that we consume provides all of the essential nutrients necessary to maintain optimal health. An evolutionary perspective on human health and disease allows us to recognize that our ancestors did not have perfect health as we have today. They did not have access to the medical advances that we take for granted today.
Another important part of an evolutionary perspective on human health and disease is the understanding that most disease is not caused by bacteria or viruses, but by parasites and other organisms. It is important to understand that parasites can be treated and controlled by using pharmaceuticals that can be administered by doctors. Although these pharmaceuticals can effectively cure parasites, they may also be responsible for other health problems that occur as a result of their use.
One of the main differences between the perspective of evolution and that of the creationist is that the former believe that God created humans just as they are today. They also believe that sickness is a result of sin and that God is pleased when people are healthy. They do not believe that the cause of illness is a lack of self-discipline or a low level of intelligence. By contrast, creationists believe that sickness is caused by the absence of God.
The ancients had a very different view of health and disease
They did not believe in miracles. They did not believe that some diseases were caused by angels or that diseases were contagious. Instead, they looked at the reasons behind why people suffered from pain and disease and concluded that it was because of their physical weaknesses. In this way, they viewed health and disease as a form of energy or life force within the body, which could be eliminated or strengthened by certain actions such as prayer, proper diet, exercise and meditation.
Although there are many differences between the two perspectives, both offer valuable insights into how we should live. There are many aspects of Evolution that are equally valuable to modern man. As we learn more about the history of mankind and the role evolution has played in it, we can draw upon its knowledge for improving our lives and culture. By using the ancients’ methods for assessing the state of our health, we can improve the quality of our life and prevent many diseases that still afflict our society today.
[…] An Evolutionary Viewpoint on Human Health and Disease […]