Creation & EvolutionForum for the discussion of this important topic. This forum is open to non-believers. There is a Christians-only forum in the Christians-only section too.
No. The definition of evolution is not "descent with modification without the meddling of pesky humans." The facts of human preventive and curative medicine and genetic manipulation are simply other aspects of the totality of the natural processes that make up "evolution." Evolution is not some set-in-stone, delicately-balanced process that can be turned on and off. If our efforts ensure that some phenotypically disadvantaged individuals live to perpetuate their genomes, then evolution will merely proceed with that aspect included.
Right. And with that aspect included, we will encounter more and more aspects that we will just subdue. It is certain to compound and get worse, unless the hosts are isolated, celebate, or killed off. (I don't want to do that. I may be nailed for high blood pressure. I'm rather healthy too, it just runs rampant in my family.)
Right. And with that aspect included, we will encounter more and more aspects that we will just subdue. It is certain to compound and get worse, unless the hosts are isolated, celebate, or killed off. (I don't want to do that. I may be nailed for high blood pressure. I'm rather healthy too, it just runs rampant in my family.)
But because our genepool is so enormous, this won't really be a problem for a long time, and the time is coming when we will be able to remove any genetic faults before birth.
Last edited by Data; 28th September 2003 at 07:08 PM.
Alright. "Perfect" is the word I'm using for the limbs and organs that serve a purpose and serve them well. We have very few sections of our body that serve absolutly no purpose at all (even our hair serves some purpose). I know that we are full of what seem to be imperfections, but my argument is that our form should be far more imperfect and chaotic than it is. Especially in most animals, since they aren't as picky in their mating. It would seem that we would be covered with useless "things" all over the place. Things that might even be harmful, but none of which being a hinderence to the reproductive process.
but useless features wouldn't be selected for though, so there is no mecanism by wich one would have a useless growth. you will probably get some though, like male nipples and the like. on a molecular level however there are millions and million of examples of useless things.
__________________ MSci MSc ARCS DIC PhD..... yes, I am bragging.
Philosoft - you have a very interesting point - I guess (unless I've misunderstood) that you're saying we can't interfere with something which has yet to happen... because it hasn't happened yet?
More than that... Because we are part and parcel of "nature," our actions are necessarily natural. It's natural for humans to think abstractly, thus whatever fruit abstraction bears is a consequence of a natural process. The claim that evolution is a closed process that can be "messed up" by human intervention is an empty one. Evolution is merely a product of whatever raw materials and processes are put in.
Linear Mode
