Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigS
Actually, I don't care about Mullan's religion, either. I only raised it, as its easily discovered simply because he's openly declared it as part of his bio, elsewhere on the web.
I think the question Peter raises is a fair point, and I'd also like to explore it further, independently of any religious 'extensions'.
Peter: Can you summarise the issues Davies raises ?
Cheers
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I'll work up a bit of a summary over the next few days.
Bert, I don't see how partical interactions equate to evolution (I'm not being argumentative or being an arse, I'm genuinely interested). Evolution or Natural Selection requires a duplication mechanism that can 'lock in' a particular trait. That way if a trait is more favourable for survival, those with the new trait multiply and start to outnumber those without the trait, or the ones without the trait are 'killed off' in greater numbers. I don't see anything in particle reaction physics that contains that mechanism.
I guess what I find most interesting, is that usually scientists are a pretty pedantic bunch, they hate general statements (like this one
)and are usually reluctant to state a general principal unless it is backed up with some well understood and repeatable science/mathematics.
The often heard statement that a planet/moon/etc. has water meaning that it is a probable that life will be found, or is a probable haven for life is based on just one occurance, life on earth. No experiments have created even the simplest form of life, none have come close, yet the belief seems strong that water + sunlight etc. leads inevitably to life. I find that curious, as I can't think of another example where one group of scientists are so confident when there isn't much in the way of evidence.
Saying that we exist, so that is the evidence doesn't really work. Life here could be a truly collossal fluke, if that is the case, then it happening again is so unlikely as to be basically impossible. If it isn't, then the laws of the universe are pro-life, which is a pretty amazing thing.
I hope the second is the case, I'd like to think of a universe teeming with all manner of life, but it bugs me that I can't find a mechanism that can even make me find it likely other than Panspermia.