If this is the case, then what other possibilities are there?
A creationist who has in depth study of the many line of evidence that relate to the theory of evolution (therefore not ignorant), and also is considered an intelligent person who is very well educated (PhD style, therefore not 'stupid') and also shows absolutely no characteristics of mental illness (therefore not insane). And finally, he has renounced some high paying jobs in order to become an active proponent of creationism (therefore most probably not wicked)
In what category does this person fall into ? Could it be that he genuinely thinks the evidence simply does not support the theory of evolution ?
Dawkins's premise is that ToE is so self-evident that to understand it is to accept it, if not in every detail than it least in all the fundamentals. I agree with him. We've seen various evolution deniers in this forum accepting each part of ToE when taken individually, but then still rejecting the theory when viewed as a whole. The parts are undeniable: random genetic variation, inheritable traits, and adaptation to the local environment being rewarded with reproductive success. If no part of ToE can be invalidated, and the whole is sufficient to explain both the variety of life forms and their relationships, then what alternatives are there?
One can simply not think the premise is valid: the theory of evolution isn't really that self-evident.
And I don't want to derail the topic, but of course random mutations+inheritable traits+Natural Selection does not automatically, enable the possibility that microbes can become elephants. Unless your telling me you can't possibly consider a universe where all three components can be found and yet evolution wouldn't be sustainable ?
Replies to this message: |
| Message 28 by Coyote, posted 05-24-2010 11:39 PM | | slevesque has not replied |
| Message 29 by subbie, posted 05-24-2010 11:56 PM | | slevesque has not replied |
| Message 30 by AZPaul3, posted 05-24-2010 11:57 PM | | slevesque has not replied |
| Message 31 by PaulK, posted 05-25-2010 2:03 AM | | slevesque has not replied |
| Message 32 by bluegenes, posted 05-25-2010 5:08 AM | | slevesque has not replied |
| Message 33 by Dr Adequate, posted 05-25-2010 9:18 AM | | slevesque has not replied |
| Message 34 by nwr, posted 05-25-2010 9:44 AM | | slevesque has not replied |
| Message 35 by Straggler, posted 05-25-2010 12:42 PM | | slevesque has not replied |
| Message 39 by Dr Adequate, posted 05-26-2010 7:08 PM | | slevesque has not replied |
| Message 40 by ZenMonkey, posted 05-26-2010 10:37 PM | | slevesque has not replied |