Re: [asa] Proof That Common Descent is NOT Begging the Question

Hi PvM,

"What if aliens visited us and told us? Seems straightforward and
simple enough. It does not take much thought to show why Monod's
position seems to be problematic."

Not at all. Aliens visiting us and telling us is not science. Dawkins has
not told us how science would go about detecting whether or not life was
designed.

"You say it is absurd. Fine. But the simple fact remains that if it is
natural, science can address it."

That's not a fact, that is an opinion that appears to be rooted in
scientism. You, and what you do, are natural PvM. Yet science cannot tell
me what you did yesterday afternoon. Science is impotent on that issue - I
would need to rely on testimony and trust. And was it science that recently
determined John Edwards was having an affair?

"It may be that science is ill equipped at this moment to address it such as
in case of multiverses and yet it can formulate positive hypotheses of how
even these elusive
multiverses may at least in principle be tested."

A faith in multiverses supported by faith in science and our abilities is
not relevant. I'm simply pointing out that science is incapable of
determining whether or not life was designed.

"Surely if design where to be natural, science would be able, at least in
principle, to address it."

Your faith is noted. But this is a vacuous claim without evidence. Aliens
visiting us and telling us is not science.

"Life's unfair but if we cannot formulate scientific hypotheses then science
is unable to address these issues."

Which is why it is not an authority on the question of life's design.
Science is an authority on questions related to evolution, but, as Monod
explains, science does not and cannot address the issues of design and
purpose. To do so would do nothing less that redefine the very practice of
science.

 "So at best we can accept a 'we don't know' position here."

The binary choice of "science or agnosticism" is an expression of scientism.
Take it further, PvM. Since science cannot address the existence of God,
are you saying we should all be agnostics?

And should I be an agnostic about whether or not Edwards had an affair?

-Mike

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Received on Wed Aug 13 09:47:13 2008