Logic and evolution: DARC mutation and malaria lessens (Introduction)

by David Turell , Friday, September 25, 2020, 13:05 (1522 days ago) @ dhw

dhw: I like your heading. We look for logical arguments as we try to unravel life’s mysteries. I see the above as a fine and logical example of how cells respond autonomously to the parasites resulting (theistic version) from your God’s giving freedom to molecules to do their own thing. I look in vain for logic when I consider the theory that your God wished us no harm when he preprogrammed or dabbled the mosquito and the parasites, and I wonder why this particular “backup” was designed specially for the good folk of Cape Verde, leaving it to humans in other parts of the world to find their own solution. Or do you accept the possibility that the cell communities themselves may have used their intelligence to work out a solution to the problem? And maybe there is something to be said for Gould’s theory that evolutionary developments occur in isolated populations.

DAVID: Of course the question is whether all mutations are from chance or are they a result of purposeful activity. Back to a discussion of convergent evolution. Simon Conway Morris thinks it shows God's work. Note the following website:
https://stuffhappens.info/
Each article is about convergence, and there is lots of it. Designer at work?

dhw: I suggested that this article shows how cells respond autonomously to parasites resulting from the freedom you say your God gave to molecules to do their own thing. I have questioned the logic behind your belief that God wishes us no harm and yet designed these harmful organisms, and why he would have singled out the good folk of Cap Verde for a “backup”, leaving the rest of us to find our own cures. I have suggested that God may have given cell communities the intelligence to work out their own solutions, and also that this example supports Gould’s theory about isolated populations. None of this has anything to do with chance versus design or with convergence. Meanwhile, you know perfectly well that I propose design (by perhaps God-given intelligence) and not chance, and that I am all in favour of convergence by way of intelligent cells reaching similar solutions to similar problems. Now how about answering the questions I have raised?

My suggestion about bacteria and viruses is that most of them have purposeful functions, as you know. Of course convergence is an issue as brilliantly raised by Conway Morris. You always slip into the position that cell intelligence may b e from God. He and I feel it is from God. Depends on which side of a coin you favor. Note the Y chromosome article and the counter point to Gould and woolly Darwin pontifications, none of which hold water. As for DARC we all recognize an occasional chance mutation is beneficial. And therefore note, not God-given. But this is not speciation where God rules.