Ben Shapiro’s Stance on Evolution: A Skeptical View
Does Ben Shapiro believe in evolution? This question often arises, but one might argue that it’s more important to recognize that he’s not engaging with scientific facts but rather parroting right-wing talking points.
Background on Ben Shapiro
Ben Shapiro is often seen as the "intellectual" of the far right, similar to the late William F. Buckley Jr. However, this characterization ignores the fact that Shapiro’s intellectual rigor is questionable. He holds degrees in political science, but as someone has pointed out, his understanding of evolutionary biology is no better than that of a cat. This makes his academic credentials somewhat dubious in the context of debates on scientific topics such as evolution.
Shapiro’s Views on Evolution
When asked about evolution, Shapiro’s responses are oscillating between acknowledging it and resisting it. This dance with the subject matter is indicative of his skepticism. Shapiro’s stance appears to be something like, "Evolution occurred... but by intelligent design." In other words, he seems to be engaging in a form of creationism while also attempting to distance himself from outright refutations of evolutionary theory.
On multiple occasions, when pressed about his beliefs, Shapiro has offered a lukewarm response. He concedes that since 99.9% of biology-oriented scientists accept evolution, it might be reasonable to believe in it. However, his personal belief might be more aligned with old earth creationism (OEC), which posits that God created the world a long time ago and set the evolutionary process in motion. This view allows Shapiro to maintain a semblance of faith without fully rejecting science.
Shapiro’s Public Persona and Debates
When it comes to public debates, Shapiro often rewords standard right-wing talking points to make them sound more rational. However, his rationality is often superficial, aimed at convincing an audience rather than addressing the underlying scientific issues. He has periodically admitted to being unsure about certain aspects of evolution, but his skepticism is more about maintaining a public image than a genuine belief system.
Shapiro’s mind isn’t systematic or intellectually coherent. He seems more focused on maintaining his own significance rather than engaging deeply with scientific or philosophical issues. In essence, his stance on evolution reflects a broader pattern of skepticism and a tendency to parrot conventional right-wing views rather than engage with the facts.
Conclusion
It appears that Ben Shapiro’s stance on evolution is rooted in skepticism and a strategic reluctance to fully embrace scientific consensus. While he may acknowledge the overwhelming acceptance of evolution among scientists, his personal beliefs are more aligned with old earth creationism. This stance, however, is primarily driven by a desire to maintain a coherent narrative rather than a genuine intellectual engagement with scientific theories.
For those interested in addressing Shapiro and challenging his views, it might be more productive to focus on the scientific evidence and the rationale behind evolutionary theory rather than engaging in a strategic debate with someone whose opinions are more influenced by public perception than a deep understanding of science.