EVOLUTION - FACT OR THEORY? The theory of evolution is assessed from a philosophy of science, mind and ethical perspective. By assessing the philosophical thinking that lies behind and in evolution, the author comes to novel insights, e.g. is Darwin an empiricist or empirical in approach? The current confusion between fact, theory and hypothesis as well as the issue of chance, goal and reductionism is clarified. The idea that evolutionary theory is a determinist system is challenged. The continuity between humans and nonhumans involving thinking and self consciousness id highly regarded, e.g. in issues like The value of human and nonhuman life, ethics and extraterrestrial intelligence. After evaluating Wilson, Ardrey and Dawkins the author argues why evolution need not make ethics obsolete. The author looks anew to the issue of religion and evolution as science. He concludes that the distinction between scientific and unscientific is not sufficient and proposes another solution.