" However, I believe that your definition
is too narrow, and emphasizes the wrong characteristics. What matters is
how the biomolecules are made, not what they are made from. Using the
definitions I propose the Miller-Urey experiments are most definately
abiogenetic events,..."
It appears we differ on definitions. You brought up "biomolecules, not I!
I will agree that my definition (of abiogenesis) is much more oriented
towards a philosophical discussion than yours is. In mine, the words
"organic" and "inorganic," and the word "biomolecule" are of, at best,
passing interest. It is the process, not the intermediate stages, less
still the components of the intermediate stages, that I was focusing on.
Try this.
Life, in the form of organisms, is assumed (scientifically) to have arisn
initially from non-living chemicals. We define this process as
aboigenesis(1).
Life, in the form of organisms, might be possible to be created in a
laboratory from non-living chemicals. We also call this process
abiogenesis(2).
Abiogenesis(1) is a necessary assumption of science, since natural
causation of all things is a pre-supposition. Abiogenesis(1) may have
occurred on earth (the prevailing paradigm) or in some other part of the
universe.
Abiogenesis(2) may, or may not, be possible. It has never been done.
The Miller-Urey experiments may, or may not, have anything to do with a
successful abiogenesis(2) experiment. Many scientists think they do. Some
think otherwise.
Philosophically, abiogenesis(1) may, or may not, have happened; the only
alternative being a supernatural (non-natural) causation by an
intelligent agent, or agents.
Assuming (philosophically, not scientifically) that abiogenesis(1) did
not occur, abiogenesis(2) may still be possible. It is certainly a valid
(and exciting) research project in either case.
Burgy
___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html
or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]