Evolution (Evolution)

by David Turell , Monday, March 24, 2008, 15:24 (6088 days ago) @ dhw

"However, George's question ("Where...?") is only one of many that arise from the intelligence theory. What is its nature? Is it still around? What is/was its motivation? And despite its explanatory value in relation to life on Earth, doesn't it simply replace one mystery with another which, if anything, is even further removed from our capability of knowing? How can one actually believe, with inner conviction (by which I mean emotionally as well as intellectually) in something so nebulous, so remote, so unfathomable? Religion offers answers, but they are so confused, fantastic and contradictory that they require the same irrational faith needed by those who believe in chance." - My response to dhw first starts with a deliberate avoidance of any religious stories or concepts. Start with what we know scientifically: life appeared, evolution happened and consciousness was the final supreme step, so far. Sentient beings could now ponder the universe. All of this came from inorganic matter and the energy that makes matter. But basic energies are quanta, and there is an area of quantum existence that is hidden from us. It is my conclusion that a universal intelligence is part of the universe and lies in that unknowable area, probably within and without the universe. That makes me a panentheist. Einstein and Spinoza generally thought like I do now, but I was unaware of their thought patterns until I arrived at my conclusion, and then did the research to see where I stood in relation to philosophic thought, having had no formal training in philosophy. In doing all this, I followed the precepts of Mortimer J. Adler, reach conclusions when the evidence takes you "beyond reasonable doubt". All of the material I have studied from many deeply thinking authors lead me to my current position, but like Antony Flew, I will still follow the evidence with an open mind. Philosophically, I find I am a realist, I guess because of my medical scientific background. Thoughts like Berkeley Idealism are foreign to me, but my thanks to whitecraw for pointing it out. I looked it up and learned about one philosopher and his 'contribution', whatever it is worth.