Re: Evolution is alive and well
James Taggart (James_Taggart@multilink.com)
Fri, 9 Oct 1998 12:39:05 -0400
Concerning the discussion of physics as the "prototype of science," I
wonder if you are not taking too simplistic a view of what physics is.
Physics is quite precise when you are making predictions about a small
number of bodies under the rules of Newtonian mechanics (or even quantum
mechanics). When you have a large number of bodies, physics is no more
helpful in explaining behavior than evolution is in explaining the origin
of body plans or geology is in explaining when the next volcano is going to
erupt. Physics can explain clearly why there are solar flares but can not
predict when the next flareup is going to be. Physics can't even explain
why the solar system persists. The problem is not with the science, it's
with the complexity of the systems being examined.