RSS 2.0 Feed

» Welcome Guest Log In :: Register

Pages: (15) < ... 6 7 8 9 10 [11] 12 13 14 15 >   
  Topic: Philo 4483: Christian Faith and Science, Honest questions from Dembski's students< Next Oldest | Next Newest >  
nmgirl



Posts: 92
Joined: Sep. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,00:51   

bjray, I think ogre's list of words to define is a good place to start understanding evolution.  I would add another thing:  TIME, verry long periods of time.

The universe is 13.5 billion years old.  that's 13,500,000,000 years.

The earth is 4.5 billion years old.

The oldest earth rocks so far discovered are 3.8-4.2 billion years old.

Modern humans appeared no more than 200,000 years ago.

We began studying and systematizing biology and geology less than 300 years ago.

On the Origin of species was written 150 years ago.

The dna double helix was discovered 57 years ago.

My point is that we have spent very little time studying a whole lot of time, and have a lot of work still to do.

  
JLT



Posts: 740
Joined: Jan. 2008

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,05:11   

Quote (nmgirl @ April 24 2010,06:51)
bjray, I think ogre's list of words to define is a good place to start understanding evolution.  I would add another thing:  TIME, verry long periods of time.

Another thing to add to the list:
 
Quote
1) Evidence
2) Evolution
3) Fact
4) Intelligent Design
5) Irreducible Complexity
6) Theory


7) Prediction

My definition: Something that follows logically from a hypothesis or theory and must necessarily be found/observed/true if the hypothesis or theory is true.

That's a concept that seems to be too difficult for most ID proponents to grasp.

--------------
"Random mutations, if they are truly random, will affect, and potentially damage, any aspect of the organism, [...]
Thus, a realistic [computer] simulation [of evolution] would allow the program, OS, and hardware to be affected in a random fashion." GilDodgen, Frilly shirt owner

  
oldmanintheskydidntdoit



Posts: 4999
Joined: July 2006

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,06:25   

bjray,
Name a single thing that ID or creationism has got right and "Evolution" has got wrong.

And show your working.

--------------
I also mentioned that He'd have to give me a thorough explanation as to *why* I must "eat human babies".
FTK

if there are even critical flaws in Gauger’s work, the evo mat narrative cannot stand
Gordon Mullings

  
Cubist



Posts: 558
Joined: Oct. 2007

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,06:30   

Quote (OgreMkV @ April 23 2010,09:09)
Let's play a little game... Let's put up some words and then everyone defines them in their own words without any reference materials.
Sounds good to me!
Quote
1) Evidence
In the context of science, 'evidence' is objective information which in relevant to determining the scientific validity of a theory. If the information agrees with the theory it's evidence for, that information can be considered 'positive evidence'; if the information disagrees with the theory it's evidence for, it can be considered 'negative evidence'.
Quote
2) Evolution
Generally speaking, the word 'evolution' simply means 'change'. But in the restricted context of biological science, 'evolution' can be either the observed phenomenon of change in living creatures over a period of however-many generations, or the scientific theory originally proposed by Charles Darwin, and modified by successive generations of biologists, which is the scientific explanation of the observed fact of evolution.
Quote
3) Fact
Philosophically, a 'fact' is a piece of information which is absolutely congruent with the appropriate piece of Reality. In the context of scientific investigation of the Real World, it is never 100% clear to what degree a given piece of information really is absolutely congruent with Reality, so as far as science is concerned, a 'fact' is a piece of information that has been confirmed by empirical evidence to such a degree that it would be perverse not to agree, at least provisionally, that said piece of information is true.
Quote
4) Intelligent Design
'Intelligent Design' with capital letters refers to the crypto-Creationist political movement whose single most prominent and best-funded source of support is on record as explicitly seeking to "defeat scientific materialism and its destructive moral, cultural and political legacies" and "replace materialistic explanations with the theistic understanding that nature and hurnan beings are created by God". 'intelligent design' without capital letters, refers to the unexceptional notion of designs which were produced by intelligent minds.
Quote
5) Irreducible Complexity
In the context of the Intelligent Design movement, 'irreducible complexity' pretty much always refers to the concept of a system in which every last one of the system's component parts is a critical failure point, hence the system stops function if any of its component parts is missing or broken or whatever. That said, it is worth noting that Dr. Dr. Dembski created another, far less prominent, concept of 'irreducible complexity'; according to the good Doctor Doctor's version of IC, a system possesses the quality of IC if and only if said system is the absolutely simplest system which is physically capable of performing the system's function.
According to Behean IC, a three-legged stool is IC. If you take away the stool's seat, the three legs collapse to the floor and cannot be sat upon; if you take away any one of the stool's three legs, it falls over and cannot be sat upon. But according to Dembskian IC, a three-legged stool is not IC. A three-legged stool has four component parts (the three legs and the seat) -- but you can just as easily sit on a one-piece block of wood of appropriate size and shape, and a one-component 'system' is clearly simpler than a four-component system.
Quote
6) Theory
In general colloquial usage, a 'theory' is basically a wild-ass guess. In the context of science, however, a 'theory' is a well-supported explanation for a given phenomenon. A scientific theory tells you two things about the phenomenon it's an explanation for: First, it tells you why that phenonenon is the way it is. Second, it tells you why that phenomenon is not some other way entirely. Real scientists value a theory in direct proportion to how well that theory performs both halves of its job description. In the context of science, saying that "evolution is just a theory" is right up there with saying that "Bill Gates is just a multibillionaire".

  
OgreMkV



Posts: 3668
Joined: Oct. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,07:16   

Quote (JLT @ April 24 2010,05:11)
Quote (nmgirl @ April 24 2010,06:51)
bjray, I think ogre's list of words to define is a good place to start understanding evolution.  I would add another thing:  TIME, verry long periods of time.

Another thing to add to the list:
 
Quote
1) Evidence
2) Evolution
3) Fact
4) Intelligent Design
5) Irreducible Complexity
6) Theory


7) Prediction

My definition: Something that follows logically from a hypothesis or theory and must necessarily be found/observed/true if the hypothesis or theory is true.

That's a concept that seems to be too difficult for most ID proponents to grasp.

That's excellent.  I keep forgetting about prediction.... well... because no ID 'theory' has ever had one.  (And don't go on about junk DNA, Gould predicted function for junk DNA before ID even existed.)

Anyone else want to chime in?

--------------
Ignored by those who can't provide evidence for their claims.

http://skepticink.com/smilodo....retreat

   
ppb



Posts: 325
Joined: Dec. 2006

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,11:09   

Quote (OgreMkV @ April 24 2010,08:16)
(And don't go on about junk DNA, Gould predicted function for junk DNA before ID even existed.)

And besides, there is nothing in ID theory that says anything about junk DNA.  How is it a prediction of ID that all DNA would have some functionality if you can't know anything about the designer?

--------------
"[A scientific theory] describes Nature as absurd from the point of view of common sense. And it agrees fully with experiment. So I hope you can accept Nature as She is - absurd."
- Richard P. Feynman

  
bjray



Posts: 13
Joined: Mar. 2010

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,13:44   

All right, for starters. I cannot for the sake of my own time respond to everyone one of your questions or comments. I would also like to point out, Cubists and others, that I have at no time in my posts admitted or actually “whined” or accused evolutionists about being nasty:  
Quote
whine about how mean those nasty evilutionismustistas are to say those terribly, terribly hurtful things?
I have pointed out the use of “harsh” language, but a far cry from whining. One of my goals is to not be like the other Creationists you have come in contact with here on this forum, like, not being one of those who whines or moans about whatever responses are given. Frankly, I’m glad you (all) express yourself and in some cases, show me the ropes, on some of the issues you bring out. (I’m not typically on forums discussing evolution/creationism.) But, I’d like to point out some of your bad logic. You mentioned that “you say these things” because you “believe they’re true.” Well, if I believed that the sky was really red, it doesn’t mean it is true. Anyhow..

I am informed about the difference between evolution, abiogenesis and big bang. While maybe all can be considered different “scientific enterprises”, they all have at least one thing in common: Evolutionary theory sprinkled about them. Furthermore, the notion that the big bang best fits current scientific evidence does not necessitate it being factual. (Here is another goal of mine; namely, to put back on your table the possibility of creation by a designer. You’re right, mentioning creation does imply a designer. That’s my point. I believe this world did not just materialize on its own, but was in fact created. This fits the best evidence I have. (Go ahead, get caught up on “what evidence”.) I’m trying not to explain the nth degree of everything, because (as I have said before) I cannot. Thus, I won’t try to explain nth degree details. Some explanation yes, but nitty gritty is not in my ability (or any one for that matter). Evolutionary explanations for such things: ie: big bang, commit a logical fallacy. Let me explain the best I know how.
The fallacious logic is as such: If you have A and B is a result of A, then anytime you have A, B must take place. In other words, if B, then we know A. However, what happens if there are multiple A’s. If A, or Aa, or Ab, or Ac….then B happens. If B happens, then we know one of the A’s had to have happened. However, without evidence of which A caused B, then how can we know which one of the A’s did something? I submit to you that you can’t. I didn’t make this up. It’s how logic works: philosophy class.
So how does this coincide with what I’m saying? Let’s put the pieces together. Evolutionists are trying, like other scientists (including creationists) to understand how the people/animals have come about in this world. Evolution argues for common descent. What has been discovered by scientists is that various animals have similar traits—observable fact. This is exactly what common descent would expect. So, if A (animals have common descent), then B (they have similar traits), therefore A (common descent must be true). The fallacy has been committed (we have B, then A). There can be the possibility of other A’s. Ie: common descent (evolution is one), creationism (a designer is another). See (http://tinyurl.com/2bmo6gf)

Cubists, thank you for the lesson in gaining other people’s respect. I understand. Have you heard of agreeing to disagree or the likes of varying approaches to things? Although, there is an answer, so one of us is right, the other wrong.

The explanation of morality (previously mentioned by me as self-preservation, albeit the latter is probably considered a subset of the former) by evolution is incomplete, that’s why I have a problem with it. I go back to Darwin, although that is apparently the wrong thing to do (as mentioned by many of you). Evolution attempts to explain that morality fits within its theory based on kin and tribal survival. Ie: survival of the fittest and having the best care for the weaker among kin or the tribe. Thus, the “gene of self-sacrifice” is carried on due to the fittest taking care of the weaker among kin or tribe. Good, great, that may help explain some parts of morality (also..where’s the this gene of self-sacrifice?). But what about altruism and humans treating every human right, even if they know it cannot be reciprocated? Take wars for example. Almost every war has had some backlash of how a person’s own nation treated the other. Why is this? From an evolutionary perspective, why care about another. Because if self-preservation is a motive, is it really genuine care at all?

Cubists, your digression on why “real” scientists reject Creationism is troubling at best. Again, you continue to assert that that evolutionary thinking is the end all, explain all. I am open to understanding evolutionary process and thinking. I’ve been reading what you and others post. (Sorry I was looking for multiple answers to the questions I pose, which is why I repeated myself.)

All right, till next time.

P.s. J-Dogg, I am thankful for the responses I have gotten.

  
tsig



Posts: 339
Joined: Aug. 2006

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,14:40   

Quote (carlsonjok @ Mar. 18 2010,20:04)
Quote (Cubist @ Mar. 18 2010,19:35)
Quote (bjray @ Mar. 16 2010,13:58)
I thought I'd make a quick post this afternoon just as a way of letting those who care to know that I have read all of the posts up until now and will work to respond in a timely fashion. However, you must realize that to my (somewhat) surprise, my inbox was filled with about 25 alerts from this forum regarding your replies. So, I have my work cut out for me.
Emphasis added, and timestamp noted without comment...

That is three in a freakin' row.  First cdanner, then daevans, and now bjray.  WTH, don't these creationists have any cojones?

They gave their balls to Jesus.

  
JLT



Posts: 740
Joined: Jan. 2008

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,14:43   

Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,19:44)
The fallacious logic is as such: If you have A and B is a result of A, then anytime you have A, B must take place. In other words, if B, then we know A. However, what happens if there are multiple A’s. If A, or Aa, or Ab, or Ac….then B happens. If B happens, then we know one of the A’s had to have happened. However, without evidence of which A caused B, then how can we know which one of the A’s did something? I submit to you that you can’t. I didn’t make this up. It’s how logic works: philosophy class.
So how does this coincide with what I’m saying? Let’s put the pieces together. Evolutionists are trying, like other scientists (including creationists) to understand how the people/animals have come about in this world. Evolution argues for common descent. What has been discovered by scientists is that various animals have similar traits—observable fact. This is exactly what common descent would expect. So, if A (animals have common descent), then B (they have similar traits), therefore A (common descent must be true). The fallacy has been committed (we have B, then A). There can be the possibility of other A’s. Ie: common descent (evolution is one), creationism (a designer is another).



(and yes, I have been waiting for an opportunity to use this strip)

--------------
"Random mutations, if they are truly random, will affect, and potentially damage, any aspect of the organism, [...]
Thus, a realistic [computer] simulation [of evolution] would allow the program, OS, and hardware to be affected in a random fashion." GilDodgen, Frilly shirt owner

  
bjray



Posts: 13
Joined: Mar. 2010

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,14:44   

Quote (oldmanintheskydidntdoit @ April 24 2010,06:25)
bjray,
Name a single thing that ID or creationism has got right and "Evolution" has got wrong.

And show your working.


Your question is set for a fall. In that I mean, you are asking a small question that is unable (to my knowledge) be directly proven. It’s not in my interest to name a single thing of the first two because your premise is that they're unscientific. But I'll submit to you that they got right the fact there is a Creator of this world.

I can show how evolution has gotten at least two things wrong. 1) Name for me anything that you (or anyone) has ever seen actually evolve from one species to another? (Now you say, we haven't, it takes millions/billions of years for anything to evolve.) 2) Carbon dating. Accurate only to a few thousand years, as scientists have calculated. So, when said dinosaur bones were carbon dated and not linked to the millions of years evolutionists preconceived, eh, throw out the carbon dating; doesn't fit our theory.

So, we're caught in this inability to directly prove either. But evolution can be disproved. Creationism then is only "disproved" because it doesn't fit into the mold of evolution and materialism.

  
bjray



Posts: 13
Joined: Mar. 2010

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:03   

Quote (Albatrossity2 @ April 23 2010,06:43)
Quote (bjray @ April 22 2010,23:41)
But you, yourself, said that "science is based on evidence that stands up to everything." Are you telling me that evolution has passed this test?

Yes, that is the case so far. And it is worth pointing out, for the nth time, that even if it wasn't the case, and even if evolutionary theory proves to be wrong, neither ID nor creationism will be any closer to being an acceptable explanation. Picking apart a rival theory doesn't make your notions right; you have to do the work and provide the evidence and make predictions and do more work etc.

Finally, I can accept that you believe your god is immutable. What I can't accept is the extension of that belief to think that he wrote a science book and that the words in there are infallible. Do you believe that? If so, there is no sense in further discussions about the science, because, as you acknowledged, scientific conclusions are tentative.

Alba, I'm not saying that God wrote a science book per se. What I am saying is that God created the world and everything in it (including all that we know..and don't know about science, etc..)

I'm not trying to pick apart some random scientific theory. It happens to be the most widely held among "big dog" scientists. Therefore, it deserves scrutiny. Alternatively, I'm not suggesting that by disproving one, the other is automatically correct. What I'm saying is lets take what evidence we can look at and discuss our options.

I'm sorry to point out, but you're mistaken that evolution has not stood up to every evidence. It has stood up to every evidence that it promotes, yes, of course, why wouldn't it. But it throws out the evidence that does not support it.

  
Dr.GH



Posts: 2333
Joined: May 2002

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:18   

Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,12:44)
I can show how evolution has gotten at least two things wrong. 1) Name for me anything that you (or anyone) has ever seen actually evolve from one species to another? (Now you say, we haven't, it takes millions/billions of years for anything to evolve.) 2) Carbon dating. Accurate only to a few thousand years, as scientists have calculated. So, when said dinosaur bones were carbon dated and not linked to the millions of years evolutionists preconceived, eh, throw out the carbon dating; doesn't fit our theory.

Goody Goody

I have collected some examples of speciation that are handy to have available when a creationist ignorantly (or dishonestly) claims there are none.

We have of course directly observed the emergence of new species, conclusively demonstrating common descent, a core hypothesis of evolutionary theory. This is a much a "proof" of evolution as dropping a bowling ball on your foot "proves" gravity.

A large review of multiple species is, Sergey Gavrilets and Jonathan B. Losos "Adaptive Radiation: Contrasting Theory with Data" Science 6 February 2009 323: 732-737

Some specific examples for plants, insects, fish, birds, lizards and mammals follows.

Here are five examples sampled from: "Observed Instances of Speciation" by Joseph Boxhorn, 1995

Evening Primrose (Oenothera gigas)

While studying the genetics of the evening primrose, Oenothera lamarckiana, de Vries (1905) found an unusual variant among his plants. O. lamarckiana has a chromosome number of 2N = 14. The variant had a chromosome number of 2N = 28. He found that he was unable to breed this variant with O. lamarckiana. He named this new species O. gigas.

Kew Primrose (Primula kewensis)

Digby (1912) crossed the primrose species Primula verticillata and P. floribunda to produce a sterile hybrid. Polyploidization occurred in a few of these plants to produce fertile offspring. The new species was named P. kewensis. Newton and Pellew (1929) note that spontaneous hybrids of P. verticillata and P. floribunda set tetraploid seed on at least three occasions. These happened in 1905, 1923 and 1926.

Tragopogon

Owenby (1950) demonstrated that two species in this genus were produced by polyploidization from hybrids. He showed that Tragopogon miscellus found in a colony in Moscow, Idaho was produced by hybridization of T. dubius and T. pratensis. He also showed that T. mirus found in a colony near Pullman, Washington was produced by hybridization of T. dubius and T. porrifolius. Evidence from chloroplast DNA suggests that T. mirus has originated independently by hybridization in eastern Washington and western Idaho at least three times (Soltis and Soltis 1989). The same study also shows multiple origins for T. micellus.

Drosophila paulistorum

Dobzhansky and Pavlovsky (1971) reported a speciation event that occurred in a laboratory culture of Drosophila paulistorum sometime between 1958 and 1963. The culture was descended from a single inseminated female that was captured in the Llanos of Colombia. In 1958 this strain produced fertile hybrids when crossed with conspecifics of different strains from Orinocan. From 1963 onward crosses with Orinocan strains produced only sterile males. Initially no assortative mating or behavioral isolation was seen between the Llanos strain and the Orinocan strains. Later on Dobzhansky produced assortative mating (Dobzhansky 1972).

Apple Maggot Fly (Rhagoletis pomonella)

Rhagoletis pomonella is a fly that is native to North America. Its normal host is the hawthorn tree. Sometime during the nineteenth century it began to infest apple trees. Since then it has begun to infest cherries, roses, pears and possibly other members of the rosaceae. Quite a bit of work has been done on the differences between flies infesting hawthorn and flies infesting apple. There appear to be differences in host preferences among populations. Offspring of females collected from on of these two hosts are more likely to select that host for oviposition (Prokopy et al. 1988). Genetic differences between flies on these two hosts have been found at 6 out of 13 allozyme loci (Feder et al. 1988, see also McPheron et al. 1988). Laboratory studies have shown an asynchrony in emergence time of adults between these two host races (Smith 1988). Flies from apple trees take about 40 days to mature, whereas flies from hawthorn trees take 54-60 days to mature. This makes sense when we consider that hawthorn fruit tends to mature later in the season that apples. Hybridization studies show that host preferences are inherited, but give no evidence of barriers to mating. This is a very exciting case(Rhagoletis pomonella). It may represent the early stages of a sympatric speciation event (considering the dispersal of R. pomonella to other plants it may even represent the beginning of an adaptive radiation).

What I find personally fascinating is that the increasing genetic isolation of the two races of R. pomonella has led to the reproductive isolation/speciation of the parasitic wasp Diachasma alloeum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) which feeds on the rapidly evolving fly. (See "Sequential Sympatric Speciation Across Trophic Levels" Andrew A. Forbes, Thomas H.Q. Powell, Lukasz L. Stelinski, James J. Smith, Jeffrey L. Feder, Science 6 February 2009 323: 776-779).

So, even when there might still be limited inter-fertility in the diverging, R. pomonella, there is already a related speciation in an associated insect.

Here are two speciation examples sampled from: "Some More Observed Speciation Events, 1992-1997" by Chris Stassen, James Meritt, Anneliese Lilje, L. Drew Davis

Rapid speciation of the Faeroe Island house mouse, which occurred in less than 250 years after man brought the creature to the island. (Test for speciation in this case is based on morphology. It is unlikely that forced breeding experiments have been performed with the parent stock.) Reference: Stanley, S., 1979. Macroevolution: Pattern and Process, San Francisco, W.H. Freeman and Company. p. 41

Formation of five new species of cichlid fishes which formed since they were isolated less than 4000 years ago from the parent stock, Lake Nagubago. (Test for speciation in this case is by morphology and lack of natural interbreeding. These fish have complex mating rituals and different coloration. While it might be possible that different species are inter-fertile, they cannot be convinced to mate.) Reference: Mayr, E., 1970. Populations, Species, and Evolution, Massachusetts, Harvard University Press. p. 348

Nevo, E., 1991, Evolutionary Theory and process of active speciation and adaptive radiation in subterranean mole rats, spalax-ehrenbergi superspecies, in Israel, Evolutionary Biology, Volume 25, pages 1-125.

There is a large literature on new species emerging among newly introduced colonies of Anole lizards. Here are just a few examples:

Anolis oculatus undergoes rapid subpopulation isolations following drought, or the introduction of a preditor, Anolis sagrei. Reference: Roger S. Thorpe "Population Evolution and Island Biogeography" Science 16 December 2005 310: 1778-1779

New species of Anolis on Indian Ocean Islands. Reference: Marguerite A. Butler, Stanley A. Sawyer, Jonathan B. Losos "Sexual dimorphism and adaptive radiation in Anolis lizards" Nature 447, 202 - 205 (10 May 2007)

Anurag A. Agrawal "Phenotypic Plasticity in the Interactions and Evolution of Species" Science 12 October 2001 294: 321-326

One more on fish;

Andrew P. Hendry, John K. Wenburg, Paul Bentzen, Eric C. Volk, Thomas P. Quinn "Rapid Evolution of Reproductive Isolation in the Wild: Evidence from Introduced Salmon" Science 20 October 2000: Vol. 290. no. 5491, pp. 516 - 518

So, common descent is established by direct observation of speciation, and various selective pressures are seen to be effective. Depending on population size, and starting variability, selective pressures can be strongly acting resulting in rapid emergence of new species.

--------------
"Science is the horse that pulls the cart of philosophy."

L. Susskind, 2004 "SMOLIN VS. SUSSKIND: THE ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE"

   
Hawks



Posts: 14
Joined: July 2009

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:19   

Quote
Evolution argues for common descent. What has been discovered by scientists is that various animals have similar traits—observable fact. This is exactly what common descent would expect. So, if A (animals have common descent), then B (they have similar traits), therefore A (common descent must be true). The fallacy has been committed (we have B, then A). There can be the possibility of other A’s. Ie: common descent (evolution is one), creationism (a designer is another).


There is no fallacy commited, apart from the straw man you just presented. In science, there is ALWAYS more than one hypothesis (there are actually an infinite number of them) that can account for a set of observations.

The following better describes how things are:
Under evolution, one can reasonably predict that, given that creatures share common ancestors, said creatures will probably share similar traits. This is something that creationism finds harder to predict. Therefore, evolution is more likely to be a correct explanation than creationism is.

  
Albatrossity2



Posts: 2780
Joined: Mar. 2007

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:21   

Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,15:03)
I'm sorry to point out, but you're mistaken that evolution has not stood up to every evidence. It has stood up to every evidence that it promotes, yes, of course, why wouldn't it. But it throws out the evidence that does not support it.

Really?

Give me an example of evidence that evolutionary theory cannot explain and that has been "thrown out".

I'm betting you can't do that.

thanks

--------------
Flesh of the sky, child of the sky, the mind
Has been obligated from the beginning
To create an ordered universe
As the only possible proof of its own inheritance.
                        - Pattiann Rogers

   
Hawks



Posts: 14
Joined: July 2009

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:23   

bjman:

Quote
2) Carbon dating. Accurate only to a few thousand years, as scientists have calculated. So, when said dinosaur bones were carbon dated and not linked to the millions of years evolutionists preconceived, eh, throw out the carbon dating; doesn't fit our theory.


It seems it is in your own interest to NOT get stuck in nitty gritty details - if the above is anything to go by.

  
OgreMkV



Posts: 3668
Joined: Oct. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:27   

Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,13:44)
I am informed about the difference between evolution, abiogenesis and big bang.



While maybe all can be considered different “scientific enterprises”, they all have at least one thing in common: Evolutionary theory sprinkled about them. Furthermore, the notion that the big bang best fits current scientific evidence does not necessitate it being factual. (Here is another goal of mine; namely, to put back on your table the possibility of creation by a designer. You’re right, mentioning creation does imply a designer. That’s my point. I believe this world did not just materialize on its own, but was in fact created. This fits the best evidence I have. (Go ahead, get caught up on “what evidence”.) I’m trying not to explain the nth degree of everything, because (as I have said before) I cannot. Thus, I won’t try to explain nth degree details. Some explanation yes, but nitty gritty is not in my ability (or any one for that matter). Evolutionary explanations for such things: ie: big bang, commit a logical fallacy. Let me explain the best I know how.
The fallacious logic is as such: If you have A and B is a result of A, then anytime you have A, B must take place. In other words, if B, then we know A. However, what happens if there are multiple A’s. If A, or Aa, or Ab, or Ac….then B happens. If B happens, then we know one of the A’s had to have happened. However, without evidence of which A caused B, then how can we know which one of the A’s did something? I submit to you that you can’t. I didn’t make this up. It’s how logic works: philosophy class.
So how does this coincide with what I’m saying? Let’s put the pieces together. Evolutionists are trying, like other scientists (including creationists) to understand how the people/animals have come about in this world. Evolution argues for common descent. What has been discovered by scientists is that various animals have similar traits—observable fact. This is exactly what common descent would expect. So, if A (animals have common descent), then B (they have similar traits), therefore A (common descent must be true). The fallacy has been committed (we have B, then A). There can be the possibility of other A’s. Ie: common descent (evolution is one), creationism (a designer is another). See (http://tinyurl.com/2bmo6gf)

Cubists, thank you for the lesson in gaining other people’s respect. I understand. Have you heard of agreeing to disagree or the likes of varying approaches to things? Although, there is an answer, so one of us is right, the other wrong.

The explanation of morality (previously mentioned by me as self-preservation, albeit the latter is probably considered a subset of the former) by evolution is incomplete, that’s why I have a problem with it. I go back to Darwin, although that is apparently the wrong thing to do (as mentioned by many of you). Evolution attempts to explain that morality fits within its theory based on kin and tribal survival. Ie: survival of the fittest and having the best care for the weaker among kin or the tribe. Thus, the “gene of self-sacrifice” is carried on due to the fittest taking care of the weaker among kin or tribe. Good, great, that may help explain some parts of morality (also..where’s the this gene of self-sacrifice?). But what about altruism and humans treating every human right, even if they know it cannot be reciprocated? Take wars for example. Almost every war has had some backlash of how a person’s own nation treated the other. Why is this? From an evolutionary perspective, why care about another. Because if self-preservation is a motive, is it really genuine care at all?

Cubists, your digression on why “real” scientists reject Creationism is troubling at best. Again, you continue to assert that that evolutionary thinking is the end all, explain all. I am open to understanding evolutionary process and thinking. I’ve been reading what you and others post. (Sorry I was looking for multiple answers to the questions I pose, which is why I repeated myself.)

All right, till next time.

P.s. J-Dogg, I am thankful for the responses I have gotten.

Quote
I am informed about the difference between evolution, abiogenesis and big bang.


Obviously, not enough scientific versions of these.

Quote

While maybe all can be considered different “scientific enterprises”, they all have at least one thing in common: evolutionary theory sprinkled about them.


Find a single reference that says this.  As has been explained to you, the word 'evolution' can be used to describe anything that changes.  Heck, Ford has used 'evolution' to describe the latest Mustang.

[QUOTE}
Furthermore, the notion that the big bang best fits current scientific evidence does not necessitate it being factual. [/QUOTE]

But it does imply that it is more likely to have happened that way than the Incan creation myth.

Quote

(Here is another goal of mine; namely, to put back on your table the possibility of creation by a designer. You’re right, mentioning creation does imply a designer. That’s my point. I believe this world did not just materialize on its own, but was in fact created.


That is the key word.  You believe therefore you don't bother to look further.  You ignore any evidence that conflicts with your belief and anyone who presents evidence otherwise is trying to disrupt your belief system.  

Quote

This fits the best evidence I have. (Go ahead, get caught up on “what evidence”.)


Then I suggest you get a new source of evidence, because your current source sucks.  I mean that literally.  If you believe that the evidence that 150 years of scientific research into Astronomy, Cosmology, and Physics best matches a designer, then you are deluded and quite possibly stupid.  No offense, but you have no idea what you're talking about.

Quote

I’m trying not to explain the nth degree of everything, because (as I have said before) I cannot. Thus, I won’t try to explain nth degree details. Some explanation yes, but nitty gritty is not in my ability (or any one for that matter).


Then why are you trying to convince people whose job IS the nitty gritty that they are wrong?  Honestly, you're talking to people here who have been studying this for longer than you've been alive (assuming you're a college student).  I average two books in Biology per year, 1 in Physics, 1 in Astronomy, and 1 or 2 in some technology a year... and I've been doing this for over 20 years.  And I'm not a professional scientist.  Just an interested amateur.  If you can't keep up with that, then don't freaking bother.

Quote

Evolutionary explanations for such things: ie: big bang, commit a logical fallacy. Let me explain the best I know how.


Here's your logical fallacy: If A=B and C=D, then if A is wrong, then D must be wrong.

Quote

The fallacious logic is as such: If you have A and B is a result of A, then anytime you have A, B must take place. In other words, if B, then we know A. However, what happens if there are multiple A’s. If A, or Aa, or Ab, or Ac….then B happens. If B happens, then we know one of the A’s had to have happened. However, without evidence of which A caused B, then how can we know which one of the A’s did something? I submit to you that you can’t. I didn’t make this up. It’s how logic works: philosophy class.


Let's try this:  If a cop find a man standing over a dead man.  The living man has a knife.  The dead man has 12 stab wounds in him.  The knife is bloody.  The body is still warm.  The living man has blood splatters all over him and is presently eating the dead man's liver.

According to you, because we didn't see it happening the living man should not be convicted of murder.

Quote

So how does this coincide with what I’m saying? Let’s put the pieces together. Evolutionists are trying, like other scientists (including creationists) to understand how the people/animals have come about in this world. Evolution argues for common descent. What has been discovered by scientists is that various animals have similar traits—observable fact. This is exactly what common descent would expect. So, if A (animals have common descent), then B (they have similar traits), therefore A (common descent must be true). The fallacy has been committed (we have B, then A). There can be the possibility of other A’s. Ie: common descent (evolution is one), creationism (a designer is another). See (http://tinyurl.com/2bmo6gf)


Umm.. that's not how it works.  That's how 'creation science' works.  Assume what you're trying to prove.

Here's how science works.  Two organisms look alike (observation).  Maybe the two organisms are related (hypothesis).  The two organisms are not related (null hypothesis).  If the two organisms are related, then many things about them will be similar (experiment).  Scientist then investigates anatomy, morphology, protein similarities, DNA/gene sequences, reproductive ability, fossil record of both organisms, etc.  If all of these things show that the two organisms are closely related, then the hypothesis is supported.  

That's how it works.  It will never be 'proven'.

Quote

Cubists, thank you for the lesson in gaining other people’s respect. I understand. Have you heard of agreeing to disagree or the likes of varying approaches to things? Although, there is an answer, so one of us is right, the other wrong.


I will happily agree to disagree... if you and your side (i.e. ID) quit influencing school boards to force the teaching of ID and the 'weaknesses' of evolution.

Any competent science teacher will explain all of science positive and negative.  There is no reason to single out evolution for special treatment.

Maybe, when ID has 150 years of evidential support behind it, then it will be treated as evolution is in schools.  However, year 1 hasn't started yet, because no one has any evidence for ID.

Quote

The explanation of morality (previously mentioned by me as self-preservation, albeit the latter is probably considered a subset of the former) by evolution is incomplete, that’s why I have a problem with it. I go back to Darwin, although that is apparently the wrong thing to do (as mentioned by many of you). Evolution attempts to explain that morality fits within its theory based on kin and tribal survival. Ie: survival of the fittest and having the best care for the weaker among kin or the tribe. Thus, the “gene of self-sacrifice” is carried on due to the fittest taking care of the weaker among kin or tribe. Good, great, that may help explain some parts of morality (also..where’s the this gene of self-sacrifice?). But what about altruism and humans treating every human right, even if they know it cannot be reciprocated? Take wars for example. Almost every war has had some backlash of how a person’s own nation treated the other. Why is this? From an evolutionary perspective, why care about another. Because if self-preservation is a motive, is it really genuine care at all?


Evidence against evolution is not evidence for ID.

Oh BTW:
Scientists find evidence of the evolution of morality in monkeys

The absence of reward induces inequity aversion in dogs

Monkeys show sense of fairness

Food Sharingin Vampire Bats

These are just the links from Wiki.  There's a fair bit of research into the evolution of 'morality'.  I suggest you study up on things before making statements regarding them.

Quote

Cubists, your digression on why “real” scientists reject Creationism is troubling at best. Again, you continue to assert that that evolutionary thinking is the end all, explain all. I am open to understanding evolutionary process and thinking. I’ve been reading what you and others post. (Sorry I was looking for multiple answers to the questions I pose, which is why I repeated myself.)

All right, till next time.

P.s. J-Dogg, I am thankful for the responses I have gotten.


No one says that evolution is the end-all-be-all of biology.  There are many significant questions remaining to be answered even in evolutionary theory.  However, real scientists look for answers.  They don't say "Well, I don't know how this works, therefore no one will ever understand it, therefore God (excuse me, a designer) did it."

Since you won't answer questions about evidence (you admit that you have none), how about answering this question:

Is it OK to lie and steal if it supports your religion (or other moral believe system)?

--------------
Ignored by those who can't provide evidence for their claims.

http://skepticink.com/smilodo....retreat

   
Paul Flocken



Posts: 290
Joined: Dec. 2005

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:31   

Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,15:44)
2) Carbon dating. Accurate only to a few thousand years, as scientists have calculated. So, when said dinosaur bones were carbon dated and not linked to the millions of years evolutionists preconceived, eh, throw out the carbon dating; doesn't fit our theory.

Do you really wish to claim that Carbon14 is the only form of radiometric dating available to scientists.
I won't be the only person to point out to you that ID allegedly does not have a problem with radiometric dating.  Only Young-Earth Creationists do.  Are you willing to be painted as such?


This is the level of distortion (the politest word I want to use) they commit themselves to in order to discredit science in the minds of laypeople.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v4/n3/radiometric-dating
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v4/n4/assumptions
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v5/n1/patterns

--------------
"The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie--deliberate, contrived, and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.  Belief in myths allows the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."-John F. Kennedy

  
bjray



Posts: 13
Joined: Mar. 2010

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:39   

Explain to me how I just presented a straw man argument. I presented information that evolutionists assert. Where did I distort the facts? Evolution advocates common descent. It advocates similar traits among species.


Dr. GH. Interesting stuff you post. It would appear my knowledge of speciation (if you will) and the parapatric mode is very limited. From what I do know, at a small glance, it seems that it is evolution in a science lab, not real life. ie: Let me set the exact conditions and variables, then we get what we want (Again, I'll have to check out your sources for myself.) For some reason, I feel like you had all of that pre-typed sitting in a "dusty" word document, waiting to pull it out and post in a forum discussion. Am I right? :)

  
Dr.GH



Posts: 2333
Joined: May 2002

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:41   

More,

Quote
2) Carbon dating. Accurate only to a few thousand years, as scientists have calculated. So, when said dinosaur bones were carbon dated and not linked to the millions of years evolutionists preconceived, eh, throw out the carbon dating; doesn't fit our theory.


When making big pronouncements about your knowledge of science's short comings (as a distraction ploy to avoid hard questions), it would be best if you were not grossly wrong.

Radiocarbon dating has a usable age depth of a little bit over 50,000 years and an absolute range back to about 100,000 years. Now, the older a material dated is, the more likely that there will be contamination of the sample. At the same time, the older a sample is the less C14 remains in the sample which increases the measurement error. This is why the practical age range is shorter than the theoretical age range.

The accuracy of calibrated radiocarbon dates varies from about +/- 60 years of younger materials, to much larger ranges for older materials. In my experience, the average error runs between 5 and 10% of the actual age.

Below is a graph of the calibrated C14 date and the actual dates.


The error bars, as you should be able to see do get larger the older the sample. You should also be able to see that the C14 data are exceptionally close to the actual age of the specimens until one approaches the practical limits of the method. This is basically the same as your car speedometer- it is not particularly accurate at the extremes, and would be useless in a jet aircraft.

This leads to the other absurd error you made above- the notion that we use C14 to date dinosaur bones.

--------------
"Science is the horse that pulls the cart of philosophy."

L. Susskind, 2004 "SMOLIN VS. SUSSKIND: THE ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE"

   
Dr.GH



Posts: 2333
Joined: May 2002

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:53   

Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,13:39)
Dr. GH. Interesting stuff you post. It would appear my knowledge of speciation (if you will) and the parapatric mode is very limited. From what I do know, at a small glance, it seems that it is evolution in a science lab, not real life. ie: Let me set the exact conditions and variables, then we get what we want (Again, I'll have to check out your sources for myself.) For some reason, I feel like you had all of that pre-typed sitting in a "dusty" word document, waiting to pull it out and post in a forum discussion. Am I right? :)

Now read for comprehention:

I wrote, "I have collected some examples of speciation that are handy to have available when a creationist ignorantly (or dishonestly) claims there are none."

"I have collected" is past tense, "handy to have available" as in "available."

Next, the speciation examples I gave are from natural, and laboratory settings.

--------------
"Science is the horse that pulls the cart of philosophy."

L. Susskind, 2004 "SMOLIN VS. SUSSKIND: THE ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE"

   
OgreMkV



Posts: 3668
Joined: Oct. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,15:57   

Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,15:39)
Explain to me how I just presented a straw man argument. I presented information that evolutionists assert. Where did I distort the facts? Evolution advocates common descent. It advocates similar traits among species.


Dr. GH. Interesting stuff you post. It would appear my knowledge of speciation (if you will) and the parapatric mode is very limited. From what I do know, at a small glance, it seems that it is evolution in a science lab, not real life. ie: Let me set the exact conditions and variables, then we get what we want (Again, I'll have to check out your sources for myself.) For some reason, I feel like you had all of that pre-typed sitting in a "dusty" word document, waiting to pull it out and post in a forum discussion. Am I right? :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evidence_of_common_descent

Read this.  Then read all the references and all the further reading.

Then come talk to us about common descent.

--------------
Ignored by those who can't provide evidence for their claims.

http://skepticink.com/smilodo....retreat

   
Dr.GH



Posts: 2333
Joined: May 2002

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,16:13   

PS: This is not an example of a "transitional species."



Edited by Dr.GH on April 24 2010,14:14

--------------
"Science is the horse that pulls the cart of philosophy."

L. Susskind, 2004 "SMOLIN VS. SUSSKIND: THE ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE"

   
bjray



Posts: 13
Joined: Mar. 2010

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,16:23   

Quote (OgreMkV @ April 24 2010,15:27)
Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,13:44)
I am informed about the difference between evolution, abiogenesis and big bang.



While maybe all can be considered different “scientific enterprises”, they all have at least one thing in common: Evolutionary theory sprinkled about them. Furthermore, the notion that the big bang best fits current scientific evidence does not necessitate it being factual. (Here is another goal of mine; namely, to put back on your table the possibility of creation by a designer. You’re right, mentioning creation does imply a designer. That’s my point. I believe this world did not just materialize on its own, but was in fact created. This fits the best evidence I have. (Go ahead, get caught up on “what evidence”.) I’m trying not to explain the nth degree of everything, because (as I have said before) I cannot. Thus, I won’t try to explain nth degree details. Some explanation yes, but nitty gritty is not in my ability (or any one for that matter). Evolutionary explanations for such things: ie: big bang, commit a logical fallacy. Let me explain the best I know how.
The fallacious logic is as such: If you have A and B is a result of A, then anytime you have A, B must take place. In other words, if B, then we know A. However, what happens if there are multiple A’s. If A, or Aa, or Ab, or Ac….then B happens. If B happens, then we know one of the A’s had to have happened. However, without evidence of which A caused B, then how can we know which one of the A’s did something? I submit to you that you can’t. I didn’t make this up. It’s how logic works: philosophy class.
So how does this coincide with what I’m saying? Let’s put the pieces together. Evolutionists are trying, like other scientists (including creationists) to understand how the people/animals have come about in this world. Evolution argues for common descent. What has been discovered by scientists is that various animals have similar traits—observable fact. This is exactly what common descent would expect. So, if A (animals have common descent), then B (they have similar traits), therefore A (common descent must be true). The fallacy has been committed (we have B, then A). There can be the possibility of other A’s. Ie: common descent (evolution is one), creationism (a designer is another). See (http://tinyurl.com/2bmo6gf)

Cubists, thank you for the lesson in gaining other people’s respect. I understand. Have you heard of agreeing to disagree or the likes of varying approaches to things? Although, there is an answer, so one of us is right, the other wrong.

The explanation of morality (previously mentioned by me as self-preservation, albeit the latter is probably considered a subset of the former) by evolution is incomplete, that’s why I have a problem with it. I go back to Darwin, although that is apparently the wrong thing to do (as mentioned by many of you). Evolution attempts to explain that morality fits within its theory based on kin and tribal survival. Ie: survival of the fittest and having the best care for the weaker among kin or the tribe. Thus, the “gene of self-sacrifice” is carried on due to the fittest taking care of the weaker among kin or tribe. Good, great, that may help explain some parts of morality (also..where’s the this gene of self-sacrifice?). But what about altruism and humans treating every human right, even if they know it cannot be reciprocated? Take wars for example. Almost every war has had some backlash of how a person’s own nation treated the other. Why is this? From an evolutionary perspective, why care about another. Because if self-preservation is a motive, is it really genuine care at all?

Cubists, your digression on why “real” scientists reject Creationism is troubling at best. Again, you continue to assert that that evolutionary thinking is the end all, explain all. I am open to understanding evolutionary process and thinking. I’ve been reading what you and others post. (Sorry I was looking for multiple answers to the questions I pose, which is why I repeated myself.)

All right, till next time.

P.s. J-Dogg, I am thankful for the responses I have gotten.

 
Quote
I am informed about the difference between evolution, abiogenesis and big bang.


Obviously, not enough scientific versions of these.

 
Quote

While maybe all can be considered different “scientific enterprises”, they all have at least one thing in common: evolutionary theory sprinkled about them.


Find a single reference that says this.  As has been explained to you, the word 'evolution' can be used to describe anything that changes.  Heck, Ford has used 'evolution' to describe the latest Mustang.

[QUOTE}
Furthermore, the notion that the big bang best fits current scientific evidence does not necessitate it being factual. [/QUOTE]

But it does imply that it is more likely to have happened that way than the Incan creation myth.

 
Quote

(Here is another goal of mine; namely, to put back on your table the possibility of creation by a designer. You’re right, mentioning creation does imply a designer. That’s my point. I believe this world did not just materialize on its own, but was in fact created.


That is the key word.  You believe therefore you don't bother to look further.  You ignore any evidence that conflicts with your belief and anyone who presents evidence otherwise is trying to disrupt your belief system.  

 
Quote

This fits the best evidence I have. (Go ahead, get caught up on “what evidence”.)


Then I suggest you get a new source of evidence, because your current source sucks.  I mean that literally.  If you believe that the evidence that 150 years of scientific research into Astronomy, Cosmology, and Physics best matches a designer, then you are deluded and quite possibly stupid.  No offense, but you have no idea what you're talking about.

 
Quote

I’m trying not to explain the nth degree of everything, because (as I have said before) I cannot. Thus, I won’t try to explain nth degree details. Some explanation yes, but nitty gritty is not in my ability (or any one for that matter).


Then why are you trying to convince people whose job IS the nitty gritty that they are wrong?  Honestly, you're talking to people here who have been studying this for longer than you've been alive (assuming you're a college student).  I average two books in Biology per year, 1 in Physics, 1 in Astronomy, and 1 or 2 in some technology a year... and I've been doing this for over 20 years.  And I'm not a professional scientist.  Just an interested amateur.  If you can't keep up with that, then don't freaking bother.

 
Quote

Evolutionary explanations for such things: ie: big bang, commit a logical fallacy. Let me explain the best I know how.


Here's your logical fallacy: If A=B and C=D, then if A is wrong, then D must be wrong.

 
Quote

The fallacious logic is as such: If you have A and B is a result of A, then anytime you have A, B must take place. In other words, if B, then we know A. However, what happens if there are multiple A’s. If A, or Aa, or Ab, or Ac….then B happens. If B happens, then we know one of the A’s had to have happened. However, without evidence of which A caused B, then how can we know which one of the A’s did something? I submit to you that you can’t. I didn’t make this up. It’s how logic works: philosophy class.


Let's try this:  If a cop find a man standing over a dead man.  The living man has a knife.  The dead man has 12 stab wounds in him.  The knife is bloody.  The body is still warm.  The living man has blood splatters all over him and is presently eating the dead man's liver.

According to you, because we didn't see it happening the living man should not be convicted of murder.

 
Quote

So how does this coincide with what I’m saying? Let’s put the pieces together. Evolutionists are trying, like other scientists (including creationists) to understand how the people/animals have come about in this world. Evolution argues for common descent. What has been discovered by scientists is that various animals have similar traits—observable fact. This is exactly what common descent would expect. So, if A (animals have common descent), then B (they have similar traits), therefore A (common descent must be true). The fallacy has been committed (we have B, then A). There can be the possibility of other A’s. Ie: common descent (evolution is one), creationism (a designer is another). See (http://tinyurl.com/2bmo6gf)


Umm.. that's not how it works.  That's how 'creation science' works.  Assume what you're trying to prove.

Here's how science works.  Two organisms look alike (observation).  Maybe the two organisms are related (hypothesis).  The two organisms are not related (null hypothesis).  If the two organisms are related, then many things about them will be similar (experiment).  Scientist then investigates anatomy, morphology, protein similarities, DNA/gene sequences, reproductive ability, fossil record of both organisms, etc.  If all of these things show that the two organisms are closely related, then the hypothesis is supported.  

That's how it works.  It will never be 'proven'.

 
Quote

Cubists, thank you for the lesson in gaining other people’s respect. I understand. Have you heard of agreeing to disagree or the likes of varying approaches to things? Although, there is an answer, so one of us is right, the other wrong.


I will happily agree to disagree... if you and your side (i.e. ID) quit influencing school boards to force the teaching of ID and the 'weaknesses' of evolution.

Any competent science teacher will explain all of science positive and negative.  There is no reason to single out evolution for special treatment.

Maybe, when ID has 150 years of evidential support behind it, then it will be treated as evolution is in schools.  However, year 1 hasn't started yet, because no one has any evidence for ID.

 
Quote

The explanation of morality (previously mentioned by me as self-preservation, albeit the latter is probably considered a subset of the former) by evolution is incomplete, that’s why I have a problem with it. I go back to Darwin, although that is apparently the wrong thing to do (as mentioned by many of you). Evolution attempts to explain that morality fits within its theory based on kin and tribal survival. Ie: survival of the fittest and having the best care for the weaker among kin or the tribe. Thus, the “gene of self-sacrifice” is carried on due to the fittest taking care of the weaker among kin or tribe. Good, great, that may help explain some parts of morality (also..where’s the this gene of self-sacrifice?). But what about altruism and humans treating every human right, even if they know it cannot be reciprocated? Take wars for example. Almost every war has had some backlash of how a person’s own nation treated the other. Why is this? From an evolutionary perspective, why care about another. Because if self-preservation is a motive, is it really genuine care at all?


Evidence against evolution is not evidence for ID.

Oh BTW:
Scientists find evidence of the evolution of morality in monkeys

The absence of reward induces inequity aversion in dogs

Monkeys show sense of fairness

Food Sharingin Vampire Bats

These are just the links from Wiki.  There's a fair bit of research into the evolution of 'morality'.  I suggest you study up on things before making statements regarding them.

 
Quote

Cubists, your digression on why “real” scientists reject Creationism is troubling at best. Again, you continue to assert that that evolutionary thinking is the end all, explain all. I am open to understanding evolutionary process and thinking. I’ve been reading what you and others post. (Sorry I was looking for multiple answers to the questions I pose, which is why I repeated myself.)

All right, till next time.

P.s. J-Dogg, I am thankful for the responses I have gotten.


No one says that evolution is the end-all-be-all of biology.  There are many significant questions remaining to be answered even in evolutionary theory.  However, real scientists look for answers.  They don't say "Well, I don't know how this works, therefore no one will ever understand it, therefore God (excuse me, a designer) did it."

Since you won't answer questions about evidence (you admit that you have none), how about answering this question:

Is it OK to lie and steal if it supports your religion (or other moral believe system)?

Eww, someones in a tiffy.

First of all, I've attempted not to misrepresent the evolutionary perspective or side of things and I don't do this for a living.

Secondly, you just quoted to me wikipedia. Common man, don't try and belittle me for asking questions or questioning your "life's work," whether its amateur or professional. I'm in this to learn something. (Need proof of that? The previous speciation citations by Dr. GH.)

And just so you know, as long as their is breath in my lungs, if my child's school board attempts to not teach weaknesses of any side, especially evolution (why because it is the primary scientific theory taught, not just one I randomly chose to "pick on"). Then I'll teach them myself.

Quote
Any competent science teacher will explain all of science positive and negative.  There is no reason to single out evolution for special treatment.
Open  your eyes. This doesn't happen, unless school boards are mandated it. And I'm glad people go to school boards to ensure that both are taught, including weaknesses.

I never asserted (and I repeat myself) that evidence against evolution is not evidence for ID. Sheesh, do you read previous posts? If not, I'll quote here for you:
Quote
I'm not trying to pick apart some random scientific theory. It happens to be the most widely held among "big dog" scientists. Therefore, it deserves scrutiny. Alternatively, I'm not suggesting that by disproving one, the other is automatically correct. What I'm saying is let’s take what evidence we can look at and discuss our options.


BTW, your morality citations do not prove anything but that scientists have written on the matter. What's the foundation for? I propose it's non-material. IE: YOU WON"T FIND IT in some gene somewhere.

Lastly, my logical expression was not mis-guided or fallacious. The cop story you gave does not represent the argument well at all. Primarily because my point was not evidence. My point was the unwillingness to accept an alternative "A". Evidence is crucial, I'm not downplaying that. The debate between evolution and creationism/intelligent design is not over, even in a long shot. Don't get upset with me for continuing it.

Here is my source for morality.
The Holy Bible, Romans 1 vs. 18 - 21 says:

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened

  
Texas Teach



Posts: 2084
Joined: April 2007

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,16:24   

Quote (Dr.GH @ April 24 2010,16:13)
PS: This is not an example of a "transitional species."


Only because no one's ever seen one. ;)

Given bjray's disciplinary misconceptions, I think he'll soon ask why why haven't ever seen a transitional species between the Big Bang and an orangutan.  Or the primordial soup and a can of cream of chicken.

--------------
"Creationists think everything Genesis says is true. I don't even think Phil Collins is a good drummer." --J. Carr

"I suspect that the English grammar books where you live are outdated" --G. Gaulin

  
bjray



Posts: 13
Joined: Mar. 2010

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,16:24   

I apologize for the extended quotation in my previous post. That was unintentional.

  
JonF



Posts: 634
Joined: Feb. 2005

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,16:33   

Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,15:44)
So, when said dinosaur bones were carbon dated and not linked to the millions of years evolutionists preconceived, eh, throw out the carbon dating; doesn't fit our theory.

Actually, when dinosaur bones are dated and the result is a few thousand years, real scientists figure out what's going on. Of course, what's going on is that the dating was measuring contamination. And the people who comissioned the dating knew it, and therefore lied about the results. Radiocarbon Dates for Dinosaur Bones. Par for the course.

  
Paul Flocken



Posts: 290
Joined: Dec. 2005

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,16:41   

Quote (Hawks @ April 24 2010,16:19)
   
Quote
Evolution argues for common descent. What has been discovered by scientists is that various animals have similar traits—observable fact. This is exactly what common descent would expect. So, if A (animals have common descent), then B (they have similar traits), therefore A (common descent must be true). The fallacy has been committed (we have B, then A). There can be the possibility of other A’s. Ie: common descent (evolution is one), creationism (a designer is another).


There is no fallacy commited, apart from the straw man you just presented. In science, there is ALWAYS more than one hypothesis (there are actually an infinite number of them) that can account for a set of observations.

The following better describes how things are:
Under evolution, one can reasonably predict that, given that creatures share common ancestors, said creatures will probably share similar traits. This is something that creationism finds harder to predict. Therefore, evolution is more likely to be a correct explanation than creationism is.

BJ Ray,
With Hawk's permission I would like to expand upon what he said, with the caveat that my philosophy of science is only second rate and others may be able to say it better.

The distinction that we want you to take away is that a good theory in science constrains itself.  Science tries to find and make "must" statements, not "could" statements.  That is part of the art of falsification*.  The hypothesis of common-descent-with-modification-controlled-by-natural-selection doesn't just suggest that "various animals have similar traits"**, it DEMANDS it.  If evolution is true then "similar traits" MUST be true.  The design assertion cannot make the same kind of statement.  If common design then POSSIBLY "similar traits" but not MUST "similar traits".  A designer is not constrained to having "similar traits" between his designs.  It is the lack of any "musts" from ID that doom it to being "Not Even Wrong", to use Wolfgang Pauli's phrase, to not being science at all.

When you have two theories to choose from and one is constrained and the other one is not, the constrained theory is the better one.

ID'ists not only haven't made any "must" statements about ID, they pointedly refuse to and run away from any attempt to get them to make those statements.  This is why accusations of intellectual dishonesty are so easily cast upon them.

*I used the word ART with the word falsification.  That is because making theories is not necessarily the hardest part of science.  Designing the experiments that can demonstrate their constraints can be just as hard and is very much an art and the scientists who have this knack are among the most valuable to science.

**A very unrigorous statement btw, I only continue to use your wording for the sake of the argument, not because I hold it to be a useful formulation.  If you were willing to learn the legitimate "musts" of ToE it would help you immensely.

Edited to add:
An explanation of "Not Even Wrong"
and to correct a little punctuation.
Edited a second time to add the phrase:  "A designer is not constrained to having "similar traits" between his designs."

--------------
"The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie--deliberate, contrived, and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.  Belief in myths allows the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."-John F. Kennedy

  
khan



Posts: 1554
Joined: May 2007

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,16:42   

Quote
Here is my source for morality.
The Holy Bible, Romans 1 vs. 18 - 21 says:

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened


You do know, that once you bring in leprechauns as an explanation, you can be dismissed?

--------------
"It's as if all those words, in their hurry to escape from the loony, have fallen over each other, forming scrambled heaps of meaninglessness." -damitall

That's so fucking stupid it merits a wing in the museum of stupid. -midwifetoad

Frequency is just the plural of wavelength...
-JoeG

  
Dr.GH



Posts: 2333
Joined: May 2002

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,16:57   

Quote (JonF @ April 24 2010,14:33)
Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,15:44)
So, when said dinosaur bones were carbon dated and not linked to the millions of years evolutionists preconceived, eh, throw out the carbon dating; doesn't fit our theory.

Actually, when dinosaur bones are dated and the result is a few thousand years, real scientists figure out what's going on. Of course, what's going on is that the dating was measuring contamination. And the people who comissioned the dating knew it, and therefore lied about the results. Radiocarbon Dates for Dinosaur Bones. Par for the course.

Excellent article. Thanks for the link.

--------------
"Science is the horse that pulls the cart of philosophy."

L. Susskind, 2004 "SMOLIN VS. SUSSKIND: THE ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE"

   
lkeithlu



Posts: 321
Joined: Feb. 2006

(Permalink) Posted: April 24 2010,16:58   

Quote (bjray @ April 24 2010,16:23)
The debate between evolution and creationism/intelligent design is not over, even in a long shot.

Actually, there never was a debate. Not a scientific one.

  
  444 replies since Feb. 22 2010,14:06 < Next Oldest | Next Newest >  

Pages: (15) < ... 6 7 8 9 10 [11] 12 13 14 15 >   


Track this topic Email this topic Print this topic

[ Read the Board Rules ] | [Useful Links] | [Evolving Designs]