August 9, 2005
CLASHING FAITHS:
Faith-Based Evolution (Roy W. Spencer, 08/08/2005, Tech Central Station)
Twenty years ago, as a PhD scientist, I intensely studied the evolution versus intelligent design controversy for about two years. And finally, despite my previous acceptance of evolutionary theory as "fact," I came to the realization that intelligent design, as a theory of origins, is no more religious, and no less scientific, than evolutionism.In the scientific community, I am not alone. There are many fine books out there on the subject. Curiously, most of the books are written by scientists who lost faith in evolution as adults, after they learned how to apply the analytical tools they were taught in college.
You might wonder how scientists who are taught to apply disciplined observation and experimentation and to search for natural explanations for what is observed in nature can come to such a conclusion? [...]
One finally comes to the conclusion that, despite vigorous protests, belief in evolution and intelligent design are matters of faith. Even some evolutionists have admitted as much in their writings. Modern biology does not "fall apart" without evolution, as some will claim. Maybe the theories of the origins of forms of life fall apart, or theories of the origin of capabilities that those life forms exhibit, or the supposed ancestral relationships between them fall apart. But these are merely intellectual curiosities, serving only to stimulate discussion and teach the next generation of students the same beliefs. From a practical point of view, the intelligent design paradigm is just as useful to biology, and I believe, more satisfying from an intellectual point of view.
Both belong in Sunday Schools, not public schools. Posted by Orrin Judd at August 9, 2005 10:45 PM
No, the Darwinian Theory of Evolution belongs in history of science along with Aristotle's theory of physics, and I.D. belongs in the philosophy of science as criticism.
Posted by: jd watson at August 10, 2005 5:17 AMSpencer: "Maybe the theories of the origins of forms of life fall apart, or theories of the origin of capabilities that those life forms exhibit, or the supposed ancestral relationships between them fall apart. But these are merely intellectual curiosities..."
Priceless.
Posted by: Brit at August 10, 2005 8:49 AMBrit:
Despite our profound differences on this question, I can't tell you how much we respect you for going down laughing.
Posted by: Peter B at August 10, 2005 12:19 PMHe's a meteorologist and has never done any research in biology.
Typical.
Posted by: Harry Eagar at August 10, 2005 11:19 PMNobody lacking a PhD can do research ?
Posted by: Michael Herdegen at August 11, 2005 5:27 PMMichael:
No one who disagrees with the Darwinists should be allowed to speak at all as far as I can tell.
Posted by: oj at August 11, 2005 5:31 PMPretty close, Michael.
Biology -- and most other sciences -- are so recondite now that it takes a long term of training just to understand the questions, let alone find the answers.
The misadventures of various Nobelists, like Mullis and Mead, when they step outside their main fields are instructive.
Anyhow, it would impress me more -- not much more, but a little more -- if a meteorologist had described how intelligent design works in his field. A non-chaotic model of weather would be a real breakthrough, wouldn't it?
But there isn't any such thing because intelligent design is unknown in any branch of natural history.
Posted by: Harry Eagar at August 11, 2005 11:01 PMHarry:
That we have weather likewise suggests Intelligent Design.
Posted by: oj at August 11, 2005 11:20 PMNot where I live, it doesn't.
Posted by: Brit at August 12, 2005 4:40 AM"live"
Posted by: oj at August 12, 2005 7:17 AMAll planets that we've observed, that have atmospheres, have weather.
The LACK of weather would be a big indicator of supernatural design - having it is simply the way the universe works.
Posted by: Michael Herdegen at August 12, 2005 12:57 PMIs random. No design evident at all.
Posted by: Harry Eagar at August 12, 2005 4:59 PMFine tuned for life.
Posted by: oj at August 12, 2005 7:47 PM