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>No way. Sorry, I have read Gould and Eldridge and I ain't gonna buy
>this one cause it stinks. Gould and Eldridge both accept the basic
>concept that man has evolved. They do NOT question this basic tenet!
>In fact, I would say the "debate" is very similar to that which is
>going on with the axioms of choice under uncertainty that I have
>mentioned before. (Although there really isn't much debate in
>economics since everyone knows there is a problem.) Or as Chris says
>a discussion on the auxillary tenets of the theory and not a
>questioning of the "Big One" nobody is talking about junking
>evolution. C'mon, I know there are biologists on the lists what other
>alternatives to evolution are there? Is intelligent design the only
>one?
Um, stasis? Evolution is change (of gene frequencies in a population over
time, to quote a widely-used definition), so the alternative is thus NO
change. But we see ("observe") change, hence acceptance of evolution.
That evolution per se is well accepted doesn't preclude arguments about
tempos, rates, specific examples in history, selective pressures, etc., nor
does it preclude acceptance that there is a chance that future info will
show us to be wrong (e.g., when the bearded white male in the clouds comes
and shows us how he just made things to make us "think" things evolved...).
To "accept" (that human have evolved, and continue to do so!) does NOT
imply not having questioned (and come to accept, which is not taken on
faith, either). Yep, human evolution has been questioned, over and over,
for well over a hundred years. Neither Gould nor Lewontin really spend
much time with human evolution...try the Leakys et al. for a human
evolution debate.
>> discipline, inquiry has replaced certainty (which they haven't had since the
>> 18th century when God's creation was the unquestioned authority), and the
>You talk to the scientist for each side of the debate and they sound
>pretty certain their view is correct. C'mon Chris, whats wrong,
>afraid to label biologists as fundamentalist zealots out to destroy
>the world too?
Huh? I'm sure it's not fear that prevents him, but rational
thought. But I'll let him answer for himself. But are YOU claiming that's
what I am?
Jerry
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