Debate #9

[loosechanj]

I think my lack of opposition to Intelligent Design is due to the fact that I don't see Evolution as being particularly more valid than a properly expressed ID theory. Darwin gives people who don't want to feel beholden to any higher power the comfort of living in a universe without one, whether that's reality or not.

Comments

[michellinator.livejournal.com]

Now how did I know that me thinking for myself would result in the "crazy talk" defense? :P

Since you cite modern medicine as an example, let's think about that for a moment. Perhaps, since we know that certain doses of radiation can kill, and that is something you would consider a "proven fact," we should have let it go at that and never tried it as a possible treatment for cancer? Or maybe we shouldn't have kept studying other means of treatment at all, after we had one that worked? In effect, that's how your response reads.

I know it's scary, but really, we all NEED to think about things for ourselves (yes, even in high school, even in science class) if we're to make any progress in any field. Not everyone is Einstein, but not everyone should be written off simply because they don't conform to the popular or accepted point of view.

[twid.livejournal.com]

Perhaps, since we know that certain doses of radiation can kill, and that is something you would consider a "proven fact," we should have let it go at that and never tried it as a possible treatment for cancer?

Exactly. Your method of "considering all views equally" would never discover this innovation, since your view would consider Reiki, Acupuncture, Chanting, Witch Medicine, and all other wacko methods as "equal" and equally worthy of investigation. You said "NONE of it can be proven or disproven" - that's completely untrue. Evolution is based on a fossil record, chemical evidence, and a long history of validation by thousands of scientists. If you're giving Intelligent Design equal footing with Evolution, then in my opinion you're a seriously deranged person who should be treated like the homeless bum talking to his invisible friend. It's OK though, you're in good company with the fundamentalists and the 50% of Americans who believe in astrology. :)

Science is a method for winnowing out things that aren't true. Intelligent Design has zero basis in science, and doesn't belong in science class. If people want to study that in religion or philosophy class along with all other religions, fine, but there is a huge difference between Intelligent Design and evolution. Intelligent Design is not based on evidence at all, it's based on faith. You're welcome to your own personal faith, just not in science class.

[michellinator.livejournal.com]

A closed mind truly is a terrible thing. I'm not going to bother to correct the various assumptions I read above about my "world view." I leave you only with this ::see icon.::

[twid.livejournal.com]

I'm not going to bother to correct the various assumptions I read above about my "world view."

How can you correct anything? All world views are equal to you, right? No proof of anything, right? :)

[michellinator.livejournal.com]

The only true thing is this: I'VE GOT YOUR NOSE.

[twid.livejournal.com]

So you think. In reality, you're a computer program running a simulated universe, and my nose isn't really there. The computer is being run by the Fluffy Universal Dog (FUD), who is about to shut you off and play some more Warioware.

[michellinator.livejournal.com]

No way, I have it in a jar... I have labelled it "Nose of Twid" and put in on the shelf. You are now one with the Church of the Stolen Schnoz.