Intelligence & Evolution (Evolution)

by dhw, Monday, December 02, 2013, 13:20 (4008 days ago) @ David Turell

I will try to summarize our discussion, since David's last post offers some important concessions.-We have been locked in battle for many weeks over the concept of the "intelligent cell" as a possible explanation for the course of evolution. David believes that cells behave automatically, and God has preprogrammed them or dabbled with them. However, he takes seriously the research carried out by Margulis, Shapiro, Albrecht-Buehler and others, who conclude that cells are indeed intelligent. In his previous post, still in the context of the intelligent cell, he again raised the question of First Cause.-Dhw: I am offering a hypothesis to explain the course of evolution. One possible explanation of the "intelligent cell" is that God created it, so that gives you your one First Cause.-DAVID: Fine, I accept that possibility. What you have been doing is conjuring up intelligent cells with no real explanation, while downgrading the chance mechanism of Darwin. I'll accept it gratefully. Now you sound like an IDer.-As an agnostic, I am open to all options though believing in none. I gratefully accept your gracious acceptance that the intelligent cell offers a possible explanation for the course of evolution, and using the mental powers conferred on me by Professor Henry, I reach across the Atlantic to shake your mental hand.