I am reminded, if any such reminder were necessary, that mathematics is
skeptical of
evolution.1
Evolutionary Biologists cannot legitimately bypass the problem of
probability by simply stating that the math does not matter. For our
existence here does not prove that we got here via evolution. Rather,
evolution, as a theory, must demonstrate how it compensates for the
massive improbability of our existence.
In genetic
algorithms, we do allow "random" mutation and we do have selection. But
we have intelligent selection. We select for criteria that we have
chosen. Thus our programming more closely resembles breading than it
does nature;Â we intelligently select from random developments in
algorithm just as the farmer intelligently selects from random
developments in his stock or produce.Â
Darwin posits
that survival itself can provide a selection that can rival intelligent
selection. That may be, if so demonstrate it. But even then, it still
takes time for these random developments to
occur. As a result, even if evolutionists can demonstrate the viability
of natural section as a replacement for intelligent selection, they will
still only have done half of the job. Beyond that, they must also prove
that there exists sufficient time, that the mutations happen at a
sufficient rate, for the complexity we see, and not only the complexity
but the diversity (complexity must not develop just once, but many
times), to have developed.
Some have advocated the
solution to this that given sufficient time and given sufficient
attempts, an event, no matter improbable, is bound to happen. Perhaps,
if so, demonstrate that we have sufficient time and sufficient attempts
to override the improbability of each single attempt.
But
in doing so, you cannot escape from the fact that we have left the field
of biology far behind us. We have entered into the fields of
mathematics/statistics (probability), and of cosmology, physics,
astronomy and geology (demonstrating that attempts at complex life have
happened elsewhere). We have the SETI search moving from the fringe of
science to its core and forefront. Â Evolution must be opened to
critique and investigation outside of biology or it cannot be
substantiated.
All of that being said, I will again
stipulate that my objections here have nothing to do with my faith.Â
Were evolution to be proved, my faith would be unchallenged. My
difference from the secular evolutionist though would remain, for I
would posit that evolution was yet still directed. I would assert that
it was the hand of God, acting not through the massive violation of the
laws of nature that are the miracles we discover in the lives of the
saints, but in a careful, unnatural (and thus outside the realm of
science), and undetectable manipulation of the laws of nature, and of
the interaction of particles, that shaped the history that brings us to
being. His intent need not operate in ways we can detect.
My objection to evolution is that it does not make sense. It
does not explain satisfactorily. My questions meet with inadequate
answers.Â
Casey Luskin. "Mathematicians and Evolution" Evolution News & Views 2006-07-11. http://www.evolutionnews.org/2006/07/mathematicians_and_evolution.html ↩