Re: Dawkins, The Ancestor's Tale

Alll of us who have argued with creationists will agree that it is next to impossible to convince a creationist to consider evidence against his position. However, some creationists (e.g. Glenn Morton and myself, for two) have been convinced by sound arguments. But more importantly, we need to seek out and provide those who are not thoroughly convinced creationists with good reasoning that will help them avoid the trap of creationism. I'm thinking in particular of young pople who may enter careers in the sciences -- if they are not poisoned against it by creationism.

Charles Carrigan <CCarriga@olivet.edu> wrote:Don,

This argument of special creation, as you describe it, seems as though it can't be defeated by any amount or kind of evidence. No matter what evidence is put forth, one would simply reply with "God just created it that way". It sort of reminds me of the hypothetical philosophical thinking-game arguments that say everything in our world, including our memories, was all created yesterday. If someone truly believes that, no amount or kind of evidence is going to sway them. The philosophical/theological view of special and apparent creation can be held to regardless of any evidence that would imply otherwise.
 
And so I really don't get the point of trying to convince someone who holds onto these kinds of views. If someone holds philosophical views that are impenetrable by scientific discovery, then by definition there is no new argument, no new data, no new interpretations, and no new alternatives that will convince them otherwise.
 
I guess I'm wondering, Don, what is the silver bullet you are looking for that will convince these special creationists you have mentioned? It doesn't seem like it even could exist.
 
Regards,
Charles

Bill Hamilton
William E. Hamilton, Jr., Ph.D.
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Received on Tue Jan 4 12:22:31 2005