User:Gulik/Essay evolution

But the interference of common descent is, to use Ann Coulter's characterization, a conspiracy theory. (I don't use the term as negatively as Coulter; I give credence or serious consideration to many conspiracy theories, though most of them are not scientific.).


 * I just read an article on the human eye in my college physics book. It was a secular physics book. Whether or not the author is a creationist or intelligent designer, I do not know, but the tone of the article makes it clear to me that he is at least an intelligent designer. But I digress.
 * Forming a hypothesis to fit the facts is often scientific. Forming a hypothesis that is not testable or falsifiable is not, though it may be rationale.
 * Consider: If a self-replicating self-modifying computer virus is found "in the wild", and later, another self-replicating, self-modifying computer is found, and they are found to contain some duplicate sections of code, it might be rationale to infer, at least initially, that one evolved from the other. It is also rationale, depending on your world view, and lack of proof to the contrary, to infer that the same hacker wrote both computer viruses, using cut and paste functions, or that two different hackers copied a similar section of code from some underground website. The fact that living organisms have much in common genetically does make it reasonable to infer that they descended from a common ancestor, but the reasonableness of the inference does not establish scientific standing. It is also reasonable to infer that our Creator, my Heavenly Father, simply reused (cut and paste) what worked. Neither inference is scientific, however, if it is not stated as a falsifiable hypothesis.
 * Interesting thought experiment, however, the examples we have in nature have much clearer explanations supported by molecular genetics. A more valid example of the above would use an actual situation in life. Computer viruses are analagous to true viruses, but not equivalent; also viruses are not life, as such. DocSock 13:41, 25 May 2007 (CDT)


 * Pre-cambrian rabbits is a canard, as it would not significantly affect the "common descent" component of the theory of evolution, it would only modify it. The premise would remain, as it is based on a world view. Likewise, the discovery of a hypothetical mutlti-eon and exquisitely fossilized graveyard completely filling out missing links would not significantly affect the Creator component of the Christian World View. Yes, both hypothetical discoveries would be deemed significant, but ultimately, neither the Theory of Evolution nor the world view of those who have faith that there is one true God would be shattered.
 * Pre-cambrian rabbits is not a canard, as it would significantly challenge or invalidate most of the underpinnings of evolutionary theory. The rabbit, who we think needed certain ancestors, all of a sudden appears without these ancestors, or any genetically-related forms. This would pose a very serious problem for evolution.DocSock 13:46, 25 May 2007 (CDT)


 * Now, ultimately, if we disagree on my argument that the common descent component of the theory of evolution is not scientific, I belive it will be because I accept as reasonable Popper's criteria of what makes a theory or hypothosis scientific, and you accept an alternative criteria proposed by one or more of Popper's peers.
 * Based on inferences I made after watching a recent PBS documentary on M-theory, many physicists steer clear of that area of research on similar grounds, that is, it is not science, but metaphysics. Obviously, other physicists do not steer clear, either on philosophical grounds, or curiosity. In the case of the Theory of Evolution, and the sundry vocal proponents of it, it is also clear to me that the Theory of Evolution is viewed as a weapon in a greater war on the belief in the existence of God. Consequently, from T. Huxley (have the working men convinced they are descended from monkeys) to Dawkins (The God Delusion) to TalkOrgins to NCSE, secular fundementalists use Darwinism (or neo-Darwinism) to promote an anti-God world view.