Posted by J.H. [JH] on November 26, 1999 at 07:03:36 {2lTH7z2znE0MqZp34U2.HR5JhS9/hc}:
In Reply to: ****Evolution Phase II posted by Amazing on November 26, 1999 at 00:58:21:
Amazing,
: JH: After reviewing your comments, you allege that I missed all the classes on how science works. You fail to state in even a single example what it is that you think I missed. You seem to be all fluff and no substance.
I had already read what AF posted to you. So, I hope, had you. No need to repeat what he said.
According to your "logic", any idiot can say it's not demonstrated that e.g. the Napoleonic Wars ever happened, because nobody alive observed it. Why do we consider it a fact they did happen? Because we can observe the effects. Exactly the same with evolution.
Further, you seem to argue that rational analysis of observed data is not sufficient for valid conclusions. Not so. If I can walk 10 miles in one day it is a valid conclusion I could walk 100 miles in ten days, unless you can give rational arguments that the extrapolation is invalid. Since so-called microevolution is observed and agreed upon even by cretinists, and macroevolution occurs by extrapolating it over the millions of years we already know life has existed, macroevolution is demonstrated to be a fact. Unless you can give rational, solid arguments against it, of course. Which you cannot.
Apropos no substance: I did post a number of arguments in the previous message. You totally ignored everything. Your pretense to want to discuss facts rationally were obviously dishonest.
: I made no pretense to be an expert in evolution. I only wanted to start some discussion and obtain more information.
No, you did not. You have totally ignored all information available to you. You're totally uninterested in facts. You want fantasy. Well, it's a free world. Believe in fairy tales or gods or whatever takes your fancy. But don't criticize those who are experts in evolution with ignorant nonsense. The least you can do before criticizing is learning the basic vocabulary! The fact that you say "evolution" and then start discussing abiogenesis is sufficient evidence you're not even qualified to ask real questions, and much less to criticize.
: I have a measure of exposure to the subject, and want to discuss what I have learned in an open-minded fashion.
Learn first, discuss afterwards. That is generally a good order of events.
: I did not want to get into an attitude contest with you or anyone like you. I don't have time for this.
Well, I'm sure you can use your time much better in your nuclear power plant.
Uh, where is it btw, so we know where not to be on New Years Eve?