[asa] Guided evolution mechanism?

Hi all,

Well, I think this would impact some of the discussions we've been having :)

From the ASA Science & Faith blog: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081111183039.htm

Excerpt: "Applying the concepts of control theory, a body of knowledge that deals with the behavior of dynamical systems, the researchers concluded that this self-correcting behavior could only be possible if, during the early stages of evolution, the proteins had developed a self-regulating mechanism, analogous to a car's cruise control or a home's thermostat, allowing them to fine-tune and control their subsequent evolution....

....The scientists do not know how the cellular machinery guiding this process may have originated, but they emphatically said it does not buttress the case for intelligent design, a controversial notion that posits the existence of a creator responsible for complexity in nature."

Can someone provide some more background on "control theory"?

It sounds to me like they're basically saying that cells, or the chemical components of cells, can actually direct (or at least exercise influence over) their own evolution? If so, does this imply that they are conscious in some manner? How else could they "control" anything in an "intentional" sense? If it is indeed "intentional control" at the cellular level, then besides consciousness residing at that level, I can't help but to think it would bolster the design argument?

Comments? Thoughts?

In Christ,
Christine

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" ~II Corinthians 5:7

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Received on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:03:27 -0800 (PST)