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Evolution as fact
Deus Ex Machina (X8H1@MUSIC.STLAWU.EDU)
Wed, 6 Mar 1996 02:45:48 EST
It occurs to me that if one wishes to practice science "properly" one
must as a necessary course accept certain principles and premises as
fact. In light of this when you look at science it is seen that
all learning always comes in the theoretical. However it should be noted
that when the word "theory" or even "hypothesis" is used in the
scientific arena both terms take on very different meanings than their
colloquial usuage. This I think is basic knowledge for most students of
science.
As to the "factualness" of anything it was demonstrated by AJ Ayer that
there isn't anything in the "real world" that is 100% certain, factual,
or provable. Therefore it can be said there isn't anything which is
actual or factual just probable. Given this then it can be said that
evolution is highly probable. If when we classify things as fact
we do it based on probability of occurence then evolution must be
included and I think that it is clear that we base the qualification
of fact on probability. I find it interesting to note that modern
biology is based on the idea of evolution yet we still can't agree on
whether evolution happened or not. If we use the same argument against
other fields of science that we use against evolution can science
continue to exist? I doubt it. Evolution is fact plain and simple.
What is at question here as some others on the List serve have said
is not whether evolution is fact rather is natural selection fact?
To make the analogy to volcanology we know volcanoes erupt, we are only
uncertain as to how they erupt. --Matthew D. Joanis '98
x8h1@music.stlawu.edu
St. Lawrence University
Anthropology major
"Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security,
will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
-- Thomas Jefferson
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