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Author Topic:   The Definition for the Theory of Evolution
Parasomnium
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Posts: 2224
Joined: 07-15-2003


Message 137 of 216 (413498)
07-31-2007 4:50 AM


Theory and phenomenon
There are two different meanings of the word 'evolution' being used - and confused - in this thread. One of them is short for "the theory of evolution", the other points to the phenomenon of evolution itself. What Joseph is asking is whether evolution as a phenomenon is ubiquitous in the universe, or else confined to just our own planet Earth. That is a legitimate question to which the answer is not (yet) known.
However, evolution in the other sense, i.e. as the theory that explains the phenomenon, may be of some assistance in trying to get a glimpse of the answer to Joseph's question, in the following way.
The theory of evolution effectively states that if certain conditions are met, then logic dictates that evolution (as a phenomenon) must take place. The necessary conditions are: imperfect replication and limited resources. So Joseph's question boils down to whether or not these conditions hold anywhere else in the universe besides Earth.
Although it is not yet certain whether or not evolution as a phenomenon takes place on other planets, if logic itself applies everywhere in the universe, evolution as a logical consequence of the necessary conditions is indeed "a constant" in the universe. (Let's not bicker about Joseph's peculiar use of the word 'constant'.)
This means that wherever there are imperfect replicators of any form in an environment of limited resources, the process of evolution is an inevitable consequence. Since we have no reason to assume that our planet is a special place in the universe, it is not at all unlikely that conditions such as on Earth could be found elsewhere in the universe. With billions of galaxies to search, it is indeed almost a certainty.

"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science." - Charles Darwin.
Did you know that most of the time your computer is doing nothing? What if you could make it do something really useful? Like helping scientists understand diseases? Your computer could even be instrumental in finding a cure for HIV/AIDS. Wouldn't that be something? If you agree, then join World Community Grid now and download a simple, free tool that lets you and your computer do your share in helping humanity. After all, you are part of it, so why not take part in it?

Replies to this message:
 Message 138 by IamJoseph, posted 07-31-2007 6:13 AM Parasomnium has not replied

Parasomnium
Member
Posts: 2224
Joined: 07-15-2003


Message 202 of 216 (417289)
08-20-2007 2:28 AM
Reply to: Message 190 by Ihategod
08-20-2007 12:28 AM


Why is common descent shit?
Vashgun writes:
In layman's terms, common descent is shit. It's a religion, and should be left out of the definition of evolution.
Could you explain why you think this is so? What would your definition of evolution be?

"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science." - Charles Darwin.
Did you know that most of the time your computer is doing nothing? What if you could make it do something really useful? Like helping scientists understand diseases? Your computer could even be instrumental in finding a cure for HIV/AIDS. Wouldn't that be something? If you agree, then join World Community Grid now and download a simple, free tool that lets you and your computer do your share in helping humanity. After all, you are part of it, so why not take part in it?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 190 by Ihategod, posted 08-20-2007 12:28 AM Ihategod has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 208 by Brad McFall, posted 08-20-2007 8:47 AM Parasomnium has not replied

Parasomnium
Member
Posts: 2224
Joined: 07-15-2003


Message 206 of 216 (417305)
08-20-2007 7:31 AM
Reply to: Message 205 by RAZD
08-20-2007 6:48 AM


Re: close for topic drift too?
RAZD writes:
There hasn't been a post on topic for some time. [...] There hasn't been any real discussion of this since.
That's what I thought when I posted this Message 202. I was hoping to engage Vashgun in some honest, on-topic debate, to give him another chance.
I recommend that we at least wait until Vashgun's suspension is over, to see if he returns and is willing to reply.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 205 by RAZD, posted 08-20-2007 6:48 AM RAZD has not replied

Parasomnium
Member
Posts: 2224
Joined: 07-15-2003


Message 216 of 216 (417352)
08-20-2007 1:50 PM
Reply to: Message 214 by Admin
08-20-2007 1:26 PM


Wait!
What about my Message 202?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 214 by Admin, posted 08-20-2007 1:26 PM Admin has not replied

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