Retroactive confession

A retroactive confession is a term used to describe the admission of a problem only after a solution is found. The term itself (as well as its application to evolution) is believed to have originated with the Discovery Institute.

Frequently, creationists raise chronic objections to evolution. These objections can range from absence of evidence to obstacles in suggested modes of evolution. Evolutionists meet these objections by ignoring them, waving them away or dismissing them as simplistic and irrelevant.

After believing they have found solutions to such enigmas, puzzles or challenges, evolutionists will heartily confess that the now-solved puzzle was indeed challenging to evolution.

Examples

 * The evolution of attractiveness "British researchers believe they have solved a paradox of evolutionary theory that has plagued scientists for years."
 * Hail to the hornworts: New plant family tree sheds light on evolution of life cycles
 * Scientists Read Rocks’ History With Unprecedented Precision
 * Scientists figure out how honeybees fly

Related References

 * Retroactive Confessions of Ignorance and Overblown Claims of Evolution: Observing Evolutionist and Media Behavior after Discovering "Missings Links"

Confissão retroativa