More Denton: Reply to David (Introduction)

by David Turell , Saturday, August 15, 2015, 18:59 (3178 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: Don't you think the arrival of sentient beings that can study and understand the workings of their universe as very surprising result? I do.
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> dhw: I do indeed, and I would even go so far as to agree with you that we are the most surprising result so far, though who knows what the next 3.8 billion years might produce? But the amazing catalogue of Nature's Wonders with which for years now you have entertained and educated us are proof for you of divine design. You even ask us: by chance? So how can you then tell us God's purpose in creating life and evolution was to produce humans? Why would he design all these wonders if they were not part of his purpose?-We have covered all of this before. The arrival of humans with the big brain was not necessary based on the environmental pressures present. The apes are fine, except for what we do to them, thank you. The variety of types of life is a requirement to supply a natural balance with a food chain supply of energy.-> 
> dhw: Do you accept my analysis of your evolutionary hypothesis? If not, please tell me what is wrong with it. -Of course I don't. What I present is an analysis of God's apparent intent, humans, because that result is completely beyond the general dawdling trend of evolution until 10-12 million years ago. And then, suddenly in a rush, humans-> dhw: As for my own speculations, I would suggest that the environment “drifts along”, i.e. Chixculub was a chance event, and that the cell communities of organisms apply their respective forms/degrees of “intelligence” to coping with the changes or even to exploiting them, but in many cases their “intelligence” is not up to the task and like the dinosaurs they die. -As Raup showed, bad luck. And I agree with you, the environment on Earth drifts along and also is perfect to produce humans -> dhw: .... No overall plan, but life branching out in all directions as individual intelligences follow their own paths to survival and/or improvement or, sadly, extinction. This scenario does not exclude your God, who may have set it all in motion. Why? As you repeatedly tell us, we cannot read his mind.-As I've stated, I read His intent, not His individual specific choices as you keep insisting upon.