Fred Williams writes:
I must say, that was one grandiose tale! This is called a just-so story.
I'm not sure about the "just-so" label, but depending upon the facts available and the nature of the inquiry, a description of the sort originally provided by Rei is often precisely what is called for. Often the question is merely how something might have come about within an evolutionary framework, and your initial question ("How did such a complex program evolve?") did seem of just this variety. However, you go on to make clear that you were looking for something more:
In my ever so humble opinion you told a grandiose tale that was ludicrous beyond words I can express here. For starters, you 1) didn’t even come close to addressing my original challenge, 2) you provided no evidence to back your tale, and 3) you did not provide a mathematical explanation model to demonstrate how it can happen.
So it would seem that you weren't asking how the immune system might have come about through evolution, but something a little more detailed. I hope you find Rei's answer satisfying.
It is important to try to point out when a given scenario, whether it be evolutionary or Creation, is unlikely or even impossible. You usually employ thermodynamics, information theory and probability in such efforts, and you often cite them as if they were settled issues, but at this point in time your positions on these matters are all under active challenge, and in fact you've left hanging most threads in which you've participated on these topics. Just click on your name to see the list - a "Yes" in the right hand column indicates you have replies you haven't yet answered.
--Percy
[This message has been edited by Percipient, 09-13-2003]
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