Evidence for Evolution: resources

More avoidence.

Don't you understand the question?

How do you detect something that doesn't exist?
Ugh alloytubby, one has to wonder if you do...

It is not like we are talking about invisible teddy bears talking in the sky or pink fluffy unicorns. But negative bonus points for equating those with the question of whether our reality is based on intelligence, mind, truth and intentionality or not.

Now can you imagine alloytoo going and looking for his "self". How do you detect something that doesn't exist, and in this case your "self"? I mean, you still haven't given us any scientific evidence that you are in fact the author of your own actions. Nothing but bla bla this and bla bla that... buhlieve it. How about some scientific evidence there old alloytubby? No anecdotal nonsense. Just good old scientific evidence of your intentions and whether they are real or not.

You can use reductionism as a means of detection if you see fit to do so ;):eek:.
 
Boy, you post so much junk based on a single flaw, that it is difficult to decide how to approach it.

The thread is about the evolution of species on Earth. Your analogy has no relevance, please stop using it (It is a straw man argument similar to the old "the third law of thermodynamics disproves evolution" nonsense. No supporters of evolutionary science have ever claimed that EM waves will spontaneously create images.) The system that we are discussing is the Earth. Earth is not a closed system, it receives large amounts of energy from the Sun and other cosmic radiation.

If you do not believe that one genetic generation has an effect on the next (which seems to be what you are claiming with your tortuous argument), then we have a more fundamental issue to discuss... maybe you can take it up with your parents?

I'll treat your other nonsense in my next post.
 
Now for your position:
Arf9999 :1) With the current data to hand, the ToE is the best fit to explain the evolution of species.

Gee, that is reasonable and by gosh I seem to agree.

Arf9999 : 2) The idea of external agency in the observed evolution of species in highly improbable and raises more problems than it solves.

Oops, you forget to characterize this external agency and fail to argue why you think it will raise more questions than answers.
I don't need to characterize anything. Occam's razor. The idea that something is too complex to have evolved naturally is the same argument that cavemen used to worship the sun. "We don't understand it, therefore *insert deity here* did it". It is lazy thinking. Can we explain all of these phenomena adequately? No, not yet. But that's no reason to jump on the god bus.

Arf9999 : 3) In fact the probability of agency in this process is many, many orders lower than that of the currently scientifically accepted process.

Oh dear. The process of the evolution of life DEPENDS on molecular autonomous agents. The current scientifically accepted process does NOT exclude agency (external or internal) as playing a part in the process. To say science claims this is utterly unscientific.
Well, maybe we should wait to see the outcomes from Kaufman's work before we call it accepted science. He does seem to be a maverick, and some of his claims are not generally accepted (but I'm not qualified to judge), the peer review process will proceed and his hypothesis will be tested.


Not quite, they are just attempts (philosophical) at explaining the OBSERVED design and designs in nature by using science.
It is about as scientifically valid a someone saying evolution supports atheism.
Exactly. It isn't science, it is religion (call it philosophy if you want to feel special). Don't discuss it in a Natural Science forum. Evolution doesn't support atheism, but it doesn't contradict it, either.
 
The thread is about the evolution of species on Earth. Your analogy has no relevance, please stop using it (It is a straw man argument similar to the old "the third law of thermodynamics disproves evolution" nonsense. No supporters of evolutionary science have ever claimed that EM waves will spontaneously create images.) The system that we are discussing is the Earth. Earth is not a closed system, it receives large amounts of energy from the Sun and other cosmic radiation.
Just because you are unable to relate to the analogy is no fault of my own.
This thread is discussing evolution, and just in case you do not know, there are different kinds of evolution.
Chemical evolution
Cosmic evolution
Evolution od species (ToE with regards to living things)
Evolution of information systems etc.

Just because you can't comprehend this, does not automatically result in the above analogy being a straw man. Do you get that?

We are not only discussing earth, that is your own claim made out of ignorance. We are discussing evolution and evidence for it. Read the title of the thread (this time with a little comprehension)
Evidence for Evolution: resources

Evolution happens... in the universe, you know that place you think is unlikely to be an open system... And natural selection does absolutely nothing.

If you do not believe that one genetic generation has an effect on the next (which seems to be what you are claiming with your tortuous argument), then we have a more fundamental issue to discuss... maybe you can take it up with your parents?
Boy, comprehension is not your stong point is it. If you don't get that genetics is ultimately dependent on the laws of the universe then there is no help for you. The genetic differences from one generation to the next is a RESULT of these intelligible and fine tuned laws, not the cause. Get it? You are not suddenly going to get a pig turning into a horse that can synthesize the 2002nd (please note that there is no knowledge of this element) element of the periodic table from beer.
 
I don't need to characterize anything. Occam's razor. The idea that something is too complex to have evolved naturally is the same argument that cavemen used to worship the sun. "We don't understand it, therefore *insert deity here* did it". It is lazy thinking. Can we explain all of these phenomena adequately? No, not yet. But that's no reason to jump on the god bus.
Now all of a sudden the agent is refered to as a deity. Tell me, are forensic scientists also lazy thinkers for coming to the conclusion that something is too complex to have evolved naturally? They must be ignorant cavemen for believing that knife did not evolve in the back of that dead person. Or what about SETI? More cavemen if they think a signal comes from intelligence and not evolution? Lots of cavemen around your super intelligen.... wait no.


Well, maybe we should wait to see the outcomes from Kaufman's work before we call it accepted science. He does seem to be a maverick, and some of his claims are not generally accepted (but I'm not qualified to judge), the peer review process will proceed and his hypothesis will be tested.
http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/p7104.html
Oh goodness no, just not anything that does not fit your preconceived notions of evolution...
Read... biology of self-organization.

Exactly. It isn't science, it is religion (call it philosophy if you want to feel special). Don't discuss it in a Natural Science forum. Evolution doesn't support atheism, but it doesn't contradict it, either.
Well, what a candid admission. Evolution does not support theism and it does not contradict it either ;). Both are philosophical or religious, call it whatever you want. Oh wait, you want to argue atheism is not a religious standpoint it is just the opposite? Oh riiight, go ahead.

My position? Simple.
The basis of reality is rooted in intelligence, truth, reason and intentionality. Our existence is either directly or indirectly the result of it. Call me an idealist, psycological realist, or whatever makes you sleep better. I am not a materialist (metaphysical or philosophical) or a naturalist (metaphysical or philosophical).
 
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Now all of a sudden the agent is refered to as a deity. Tell me, are forensic scientists also lazy thinkers for coming to the conclusion that something is too complex to have evolved naturally? They must be ignorant cavemen for believing that knife did not evolve in the back of that dead person. Or what about SETI? More cavemen if they think a signal comes from intelligence and not evolution? Lots of cavemen around your super intelligen.... wait no.
You do understand the concept of Occam's razor? It is a long way from forensic criminology to pre-programmed intelligent molecules.... that's a stretch, even for you. The forensic scientists have some assistance:
1. They know that people exist
2. They know that people are capable (in a physical and mental sense) of stabbing other people.
3. They are able to gather some evidence to point to the people in question (possibly).

So we have another superficial, shallow and completely flawed analogy. This is what makes me think that you lack some fundamental understanding on a purely philosophical sense of the basis of science.


Well, what a candid admission. Evolution does not support theism and it does not contradict it either ;). Both are philosophical or religious, call it whatever you want. Oh wait, you want to argue atheism is not a religious standpoint it is just the opposite? Oh riiight, go ahead.
Evolution doesn't support theism or contradict it, because theism is a system of belief. It has no basis in the natural world. That's why it is obscene to try to force fit medieval belief systems into the concept. Atheists aren't trying to get churches to teach evolution, churches are trying to get schools to teach religion in science class.


My position? Simple.
The basis of reality is rooted in intelligence, truth, reason and intentionality. Our existence is either directly or indirectly the result of it. Call me an idealist, psycological realist, or whatever makes you sleep better. I am not a materialist (metaphysical or philosophical) or a naturalist (metaphysical or philosophical).
What happens when intelligence (yours), truth (the facts and evidence), and reason contradict intentionality?
That's a real philosophical question.

Reading your posts (and I could be completely wrong), my perception of you is that of a committed Christian who is undergoing a crisis of faith. Your constant argumentative attitude, obsessive compulsive internet research, and denial of clearly stated logical outcomes smacks of someone searching for meaning in a world that doesn't conform to the Christian view. But that's just my opinion. I'm going to leave this thread now, we're never going to agree, and you have answered my question. Cheers.
 
you planning to sue?
tor⋅tu⋅ous

Pronunciation [tawr-choo-uhs]

–adjective
1. full of twists, turns, or bends; twisting, winding, or crooked: a tortuous path.
2. not direct or straightforward, as in procedure or speech; intricate; circuitous: tortuous negotiations lasting for months.
3. deceitfully indirect or morally crooked, as proceedings, methods, or policy; devious.

Damned ambulance chasers... always looking for business ;)
 
Ugh alloytubby, one has to wonder if you do...

It is not like we are talking about invisible teddy bears talking in the sky or pink fluffy unicorns. But negative bonus points for equating those with the question of whether our reality is based on intelligence, mind, truth and intentionality or not.

We're talking about intentional objects that have no existance other than as intentional objects.

How do you prove the physical existance of such objects?
 
My position? Simple.
The basis of reality is rooted in intelligence, truth, reason and intentionality. Our existence is either directly or indirectly the result of it.

Might I recommend Nassim Taleb's The black swan: the impact of the highly improbable. Humans have a massive yet unjustified propensity to see meaning and intelligence where there is none. Rather like our propensity to see faces in random visual patterns. You appear to be the victim of the narrative fallacy.
 
You do understand the concept of Occam's razor? It is a long way from forensic criminology to pre-programmed intelligent molecules.... that's a stretch, even for you.

The forensic scientists have some assistance:
1. They know that people exist
2. They know that people are capable (in a physical and mental sense) of stabbing other people.
3. They are able to gather some evidence to point to the people in question (possibly).

So we have another superficial, shallow and completely flawed analogy. This is what makes me think that you lack some fundamental understanding on a purely philosophical sense of the basis of science.

Oh puhlease.
1) We know agents exist.
2) We know that agents are capable of design.
3) We are able to gather evidence that point to the actions of an agent.

The evidence, say for SETI, is not proof, but nonetheless evidence that leads to further investigation. You assert that you think I lack some fundamental understanding on a purely philosophical sense of the basis of science. I think now is a good time for you to explain why you assert that because quite frankly your philosophical sense of the basis of science is a complete mystery. Waiting...

Evolution doesn't support theism or contradict it, because theism is a system of belief. It has no basis in the natural world.
Bonus point for pointing out the obvious. Then it should be blindingly obvious that evolution doesn't support aheism or contradict it, because atheism is a system of disbelief. It has no basis in the natural world BECAUSE we as humans are social and has the propensity to believe in the existence of other minds BECAUSE it aids in survival. Disbelieving in the existence of other minds is not really helpful if you want to attempt to read the mind of that lion or look at nature and try to understand its purpose... you are going to have to roll over and say crap just happens without a purpose and if that lion eats you... ag shame, more crap, no purpose.

That's why it is obscene to try to force fit medieval belief systems into the concept. Atheists aren't trying to get churches to teach evolution, churches are trying to get schools to teach religion in science class.
No surprise there, atheism does not make you do anything, including reason and the use of logic. It is just a disbelief.

What happens when intelligence (yours), truth (the facts and evidence), and reason contradict intentionality?
That's a real philosophical question.
The day truth, intelligence and reason contradicts intentionality.... wait do you even understand what you just said? Exactly how is anything going to contradict intentionality (yours or anyone elses)? you are able to say to yourself (intentionally) that you are going to type something not?

Reading your posts (and I could be completely wrong), my perception of you is that of a committed Christian who is undergoing a crisis of faith. Your constant argumentative attitude, obsessive compulsive internet research, and denial of clearly stated logical outcomes smacks of someone searching for meaning in a world that doesn't conform to the Christian view. But that's just my opinion.
I think you are wrong and that it might just be your projection about how you feel about your own pointless, self-refuting and negative philosophical outlook of life. I could of course be wrong.
Christianity is not irrelevant in the world of today. In fact, the world can do with less relativistic moral concepts and embrace more idealistic principles taught in the Bible. And what I mean by this is some of the core values Christians (theologically consistent) hold:
Joy
Love
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Self-control
You must love your neighbor as yourself etc.

Some people just love to "quotemine" the Bible but unfortunenately they forget to "quotemine" the parts of the Bible that Christians value most and does not conform to their preconceived notions of the book. Pity really.

We're talking about intentional objects that have no existance other than as intentional objects.

How do you prove the physical existance of such objects?
Mindless jibberish. Mind giving us any proof of the existence of your mind? Even scientific evidence would be nice. Not just jibberish, anecdotal evidence etc. Question for you now is... (paraphrasing you of course) how do you detect something that doesn't exist?

Might I recommend Nassim Taleb's The black swan: the impact of the highly improbable. Humans have a massive yet unjustified propensity to see meaning and intelligence where there is none. Rather like our propensity to see faces in random visual patterns. You appear to be the victim of the narrative fallacy.
Might I suggest reading it again, this time with a little more insight. Would not want people to think your massive yet unjustified propensity to see meaning and intelligence in your posts might just be as a result of being the victim of your own narrative fallacy.
 
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Might I suggest reading it again, this time with a little more insight. Would not want people to think your massive yet unjustified propensity to see meaning and intelligence in your posts might just be as a result of being the victim of your own narrative fallacy.

Read what again? Taleb's book? Or your posts? If the first - no need old chop - I read with comprehension. If the latter, well, those are mostly incomprehensible. In fact they provide a great illustration to my point - your posts sorta look like English, from afar anyway, but they're mostly just gobbledygook.
 
Read what again? Taleb's book? Or your posts? If the first - no need old chop - I read with comprehension. If the latter, well, those are mostly incomprehensible. In fact they provide a great illustration to my point - your posts sorta look like English, from afar anyway, but they're mostly just gobbledygook.
Mmm, try reading that book again, perhaps upgrade that pathetic "as a result of natural selection" gobbledygook comprehension of yours as well...:p
 
As in the case of your comprehension of the book or anything else for that matter? Don't you just love your utterly hilarious and totally self-deafeating Defecatory Fatalist belief.
Oh were oh were is that other example of something that does not have a cause? You know, your scientific version...
 
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