PYGMIES + DWARFS arguments

PYGMIES + DWARFS arguments (the term is always capitalized as shown) are a special subset of arguments employed by Creationists, particularly as these apply to evolution. Such arguments are characterized by a combination of an imaginative approach to theology, a strong-minded (if occasionally controversial) biblical literalism, a rejection of mainstream science, and a creative view of theories of evolution.

The original 'PYGMIES + DWARFS' argument was employed by the creationist and biblical authority Jim Pinkoski in an educational comic book entitled A Creationist's View of Dinosaurs and the Theory of Evolution; it was satirically adopted by the scientific blogger PZ Myers and has since become familar in online debates involving creationism and evolution all over the web.

The original context for the phrase was in a rhetorical question advanced in an explanation of the Biblically-reported heights of major figures in the Old Testament. In A Creationist's View of Dinosaurs and the Theory of Evolution, Pinkoski points out that since many insects are smaller than their prehistoric ancestors were, it is not absurd to assume that humans have likewise reduced in stature. This, he argues, explains why Adam was 15 feet tall, Noah 12 feet, and modern man just 6 feet in height; for those remaining unconvinced, he adds:

NOTE: If you doubt this is possible, how is it there are PYGMIES + DWARFS??

Though rhetorically impactful, the scientific relevance of this point has been called into question. Pygmies and dwarfs (properly dwarves) are believed to result from two distinctly differant evolutionary pathways. Pygmies are a result of inbreeding (an accumulation of recessive alleles) and dwarfism is a result of regular genetic diversity. The reason this argument is often cited is that its author doesn't acknowledge these key scientific differances. Those citing this argument are trying to point out that the author of what they are reading also fails to demonstrate understanding of similar, key scientific concepts.

Pinkoski, a noted authority on biblical interpretation, has authored a number of comic books to explain his thesis in which he claims that the fossil record is entirely consistent with biblical accounts. In one instance, for example, he claims that Tyrannosaurus Rex was in fact a fire-breathing lizard - a dragon - which joined other dinosaurs in an evil-angel-led assualt on Noah's Ark.

Pinkoski's arguments have not yet been universally accepted; similarly, PYGMIES + DWARFS arguments are frequently rejected as demonstrating a somewhat tenuous grasp of reality.