>Re: >Re: Defining GOG and Random

Eduardo G. Moros (moros@castor.wustl.edu)
Fri, 19 Dec 1997 09:25:07 -0600

> >You guessed wrong..............................
>
> This is problematical, Eduardo. If there is nothing random, then evolution
> (even if we say it is done by random mutation) has a cause and thus is not
> random. If God chose to be that cause of those mutations, then why would
> you have a problem with what God choses to do? And how can you be so sure
> that God isn't the cause of the mutations?
>
> glenn

Again Glenn, I'm always surprised how you manage to link A with B when A does not
follow from B. We are hear talking philosophically of what is meant by
random. If you believe that God causes "random mutations" then they are not
really random since you "know" what caused them. Randomicity only plays a
role when our ignorance is obvious.

Review the technical definition of random, then review what is meant by random mutation.

I'm not saying that God is or isn't the "primary" cause of mutations.
Mutations more likely than not follow from "secondary" natural causes, the
effects appear to us as "random events" because we don't know enough about
their causes. BTW, by 'primary' and 'secondary' I mean that nothing happens
in the universe unless God wills it (permissively, volitionally or any other
-ly suitable).

Salutis,

Today will be my last day at work for the rest of the year. Happy New YEAR everyone.