Posted by AF [AF] on November 25, 1999 at 23:10:27 {yaNwUlwC5c0hi4VK0MIQdaOt1gg/Zk}:
In Reply to: Evolution Phase II posted by Amazing on November 25, 1999 at 14:09:58:
I'll only comment on a few of your misunderstandings of how science is practiced.
: We do have means today to record data and events for furute analysis. We can study theories and hypothesis based on evidence collected to date and postulate forward. Future generations can study the results and compare these to the theories and postulations to arrive at conclusions. Also, new instrumentation and technological development may allow for greatly improved collection of historical evidence. This may allow humanity to arrive at a better understanding of our past and where we are headed. Whether the theory of evolution as we understand it today will hold up to the test of time reamins to be seen.
This assumes that people already know enough about the subjects they want to study to record all of the information necessary to eventually decide on the validity of a theory. It's impossible to record all information about the current state of the universe. Therefore we can only record a miniscule portion of all that may be necessary to validate a historical theory. Therefore it will always be possible for someone in the future to claim that enough information was not recorded to allow a full validation of the theory in question, just as you seem to be doing with the present state of knowledge about evolution. Therefore your argument is useless.
: The question is not so much whether evolutionary events can take place, given enough time and the right chemical conditions; but the question that need to be asked first is whether enough time has elapsed from singularity to the present to allow for the current theory of evolutionary processes to have taken place. Presently, given the relatively young life of our universe, known required basic chemical changes suggests that evolution has just not had enough time to accomplish what we see today.
You've not been reading with comprehension, so let's try again: No one knows how to calculate the probabilities or anything else about the chemical reactions necessary to go from nonlife to life. Anyone who does so claim is a charlatan. No one who puts forth such claims has ever put out an actual set of calculations that covers the necessary ground. All that they do is put out junk that sounds good to the ignorant because it's couched in scientific sounding language that is really gobble-de-gook. You don't believe me? Then go right ahead and post an example of a solid calculation of what you claim.
AF