[Vision2020] A Question Ununswered

[Art Deco]

Chasuk,

Here is one answer, accurate, but to most unpalatable.

The (intelligent) design argument briefly and simply stated is this:

1.    Everything we see in the universe seems to be a product of intelligent 
design.
2.    Therefore, the universe itself is the product of intelligent design.


There are several problems with this argument.  However, there are two 
killer arguments against it:

1.    It is not clear that the premise (1. above) is true.  Some would argue 
that the design of some things shows a shoddiness and lack of system design 
that is hideous/cruel/laughable.  Also there are lots of things in the 
universe we do not know yet.  The meaning of the word "intelligent" in the 
argument is not only very vague and ill-defined, but is 
value-laden/normative in the context of the argument and thus the statements 
containing the ambiguous term are not subject to verification.

2.    The type of argument using "intelligent design" exhibits a common 
fallacy known by several names but briefly described as attributing the 
properties of the parts to the whole.

Examples show the fallaciousness of such arguments:

1.    Evert block in Minneapolis is rectangular.
2.    Therefore, Minneapolis is rectangular.

1.    Every application of paint in Seurat's paints is circular.
2.    Therefore, Seurat's paintings are circular.

1.    Every apple on Grandma's apple tree weighs a pound.
2.    Therefore, Grandma's apple tree weighs a pound.

Not satisfying, especially to those needing a loving, judging, approving 
father image, but there you have it.

Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)
deco at moscow.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chasuk" <chasuk at gmail.com>
To: "Vision2020" <vision2020 at moscow.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 5:43 PM
Subject: [Vision2020] A Question Ununswered


>I asked a question recently on Vision2020 that I would still like
> answered.  I have enough questions and comments go unremarked upon
> that I am beginning to think that I have halitosis.
>
> I reproduce the question below:
>
>> Intelligent design holds that Darwin's theory of natural selection over 
>> time cannot fully explain the origin of life or the emergence of highly 
>> complex life forms. It implies that life on Earth is the product of an 
>> unidentified, intelligent force.
>
> I never have understood this.  If life on Earth is the product of an
> unidentified, intelligent force, then what created this unidentified,
> intelligent force?  If it [this force] has always existed, then why posit 
> its
> existence in the first place, when it would be just as logical to
> believe that life (on Earth or elsewhere) has always existed?  If it
> evolved, then why couldn't life as we know it have evolved?  if it was
> created, then what created the creator of the creator?  Now apply
> those questions ad infinitum (and ad nauseum).
>
> Intelligent Design answers nothing, it just imposes another layer.
>
> This question was originally posted to "heirdoug," but i would be
> grateful if anyone would answer.
>
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