>Susan (from superb website)
>>"However, mutations appear to be spontaneous in most instances. That does
>>not mean that they
>> occur without cause but, rather, that the specific cause is almost always
>>unknown." It seemed like the *true* agnostic position.
>
>Bertvan:
>So we can on occasions agree, Susan. Cause unknown! (Might or might not be
>design.) Could even be God.
I have stated emphatically on at least one occasion that whatever the cause
of the variations it has no effect on evolution at all. Mutations look
random. If they are not, science can't see it. They can't study what they
can't see or at least infer from data. The guidedness/randomness of
mutations remains a religious issue.
>The only evolution I ever questioned was "a
>gradual accumulation of micro evolution, small random mutations, without
>design or purpose, creating complexity by natural selection". If the cause
>is unknown, no one knows whether or not variations are random. No one knows
>whether the "watchmaker" was blind or whether he knew exactly what he was
>doing. If the variations are not random, they have no need for natural
>selection. They work the first time they appear.
You just went over the top and out the door. A mutation that was neutral in
yesterday's environment might be beneficial in today's environment and
harmful in tomorrow's environment. Mutations can't control the weather.
>I don't think ID people
>have any quarrel with "unknowns".
"ID people" are used to believing 12 unbelievable things before breakfast.
I think they are extremely uncomfortable with unknowns. They want
everything nailed down solid.
> Now all we have to do is get the "random mutation" people to agree.
why? They *look* random. One can't say for 100% sure that they are but you
can't really tell if they are or not. You can believe they are not, but
that is a religous statement--which is fine.
Susan
----------
The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our
actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only
morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.
--Albert Einstein
http://www.telepath.com/susanb/
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