Innovation (Introduction)

by dhw, Saturday, May 18, 2013, 13:39 (4006 days ago) @ David Turell

I have objected to David's categorical statement: "Because species appear de novo, genetics provides adaptation but NOT speciation."
 
DAVID: There is nothing we see currently in the mechanics of the genome that can create the huge jumps between individuals in a series of organisms that seem to lead up to a new species. We find modifiers of gene expression, and we see mutations that do not have large effects when and if they have any effect. I can presume you are right under these circumstances, and I should allow for the possibility of genome produced speciation, but there is no apparent mechanism found at present and from what we know, little likelihood of finding one.-Nevertheless, you have agreed over and over again that the genome has to be at the centre of the inventive process: e.g. 6 May:
 
dhw:In my panpsychist scenario, innovation is caused by intelligent energy within the genome responding to changes in the environment. -DAVID: If you put your intelligent energy into the genome then we are in agreement.
 
I do, and we were, and we should still be. Of course we have not found the mechanism, but your only divine alternative is Creationism, which you have always rejected in the past.
 
dhw: It is not the prolific ability to adapt that advances evolution ... it is the prolific ability to INNOVATE. This inventiveness would still apply whichever of the above scenarios you believed in. -DAVID: There is no question that innovation occurs. It is built into life. But how are those innovations created? All I see is adaptability. The innovations we observe are mind staggering, but how were they achieved? We do not know. Your guess is not by chance. My guess is not by chance. What is left?-Creationism, my panpsychist hypothesis (with or without God), or agnosticism. I recommend the latter.-******-Tony, many thanks for your passionate and stimulating post. I am off to play cricket now (which we all know is the real purpose of life), and will try to reply tomorrow.