Brain Scans Point to Homosexuality as Being Genetic

[Steerpike]

No... it's not. Little do you know I have a BS degree in Electrical Engineering, and I can assure you, there is no theory involved with electricity that can't be proven.

That's nonsense. So you've observed the little electrons moving around? No. no one has.

And I have a B.S. in molecular biology and chemistry, graduate school in biochemistry, and years of biomedical research, part of that time in an evolutionary biology lab. I also work with mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers on a daily basis. So I'm not impressed.

 

[nomdeplume]

So is the electrical theory behind how your computer is running right now. Most of what you accept in science is theory. In order for something to make it to the status of theory in science it has to be very successful. Evolutionary theory is one of the most successful ones around.

A theory is something that has been empirically tested many, many times and obeys the predicted result every time.

I wouldn't even qualify evolution as a theory, since it's nearly impossible to control and test all the parameters one would need to test to substantiate it as a theory. It's more like a consensus hypothesis at this point.

 

[007]

That's nonsense. So you've observed the little electrons moving around? No. no one has.

And I have a B.S. in molecular biology and chemistry, graduate school in biochemistry, and years of biomedical research, part of that time in an evolutionary biology lab. I also work with mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers on a daily basis. So I'm not impressed.

I'm also a licensed Electrician. I'm also an Integrated Avionics Instrumentation/Flight Controls Systems Specialist. I'm also an IBM Customer Engineer in the Office Products Division. I'm also an Expert Harley Davidson Technician. So what now? Your next credential going to be Astronaut? Tell me that electricity "ISN'T" the movement of electrons? The movement of electrons may not be able to be seen, but, they can be measured, thus proving the movement.

And whether or not you can explain what electricity is, that has absolutely SQUAT to do with evolution. So like I said, if you can prove evolution isn't a theory, please tell me where the proof is, I'd like to turn it in and get rich. Otherwise, you're just another theory pusher with a book full of big words that still don't prove zip. You're still stuck with nothing more than a theory at the end of the day.... and I'm not impressed either.

 

[Steerpike]

A theory is something that has been empirically tested many, many times and obeys the predicted result every time.

I wouldn't even qualify evolution as a theory, since it's nearly impossible to control and test all the parameters one would need to test to substantiate it as a theory. It's more like a consensus hypothesis at this point.

Depends on what part of it you are talking about. Plenty of evolutionary theory is observable, predictable, manipulable, etc. If you're talking about speciation, then you're getting further away from that. If you're talking about origins of life, then you're getting even further away.

 

[Steerpike]

The movement of electrons may not be able to be seen, but, they can be measured, thus proving the movement.

No, it proves you are measuring SOMETHING. The theory is that it is the movement of electrons. And it's a damn good theory. But in the end, that's what it is until someone observes the movement of the electrons themselves (not likely to happen any time soon).

As for evolution, I never said it wasn't a theory. In fact, I think I was clear that it IS a theory. Maybe being an electrician doesn't help reading comprehension, eh?

 

[BrianH]

No, it proves you are measuring SOMETHING. The theory is that it is the movement of electrons. And it's a damn good theory. But in the end, that's what it is until someone observes the movement of the electrons themselves (not likely to happen any time soon).

As for evolution, I never said it wasn't a theory. In fact, I think I was clear that it IS a theory. Maybe being an electrician doesn't help reading comprehension, eh?

I'll have to say that I would trust the theory of electricty rather than trust the theory of evolution...

 

[Steerpike]

I'll have to say that I would trust the theory of electricty rather than trust the theory of evolution...

I would certainly hope so.

Though if you ever have occasion to use some of the newer drugs that are being produced - so-called biologics, for example - then there's a good chance you're using something developed heavily on principles of evolution (mutation, selection, and the like).

 

[BrianH]

I would certainly hope so.

Though if you ever have occasion to use some of the newer drugs that are being produced - so-called biologics, for example - then there's a good chance you're using something developed heavily on principles of evolution (mutation, selection, and the like).

I'm not debating the theory of evolution by arguing it's existence. Do I think we came from bacteria in a pond? So far, no. It's all theory based on small observances in human and animal traits and characteristics that have changed over time. Electricity is definately more of a constant practiced science than evolution is. Sure, you have biomeds and small other observances in evolution..but it's still (in large part) just theory to suggest we derived from bacteria or monkeys.

 

[Steerpike]

I'm not debating the theory of evolution by arguing it's existence. Do I think we came from bacteria in a pond? So far, no. It's all theory based on small observances in human and animal traits and characteristics that have changed over time. Electricity is definately more of a constant practiced science than evolution is. Sure, you have biomeds and small other observances in evolution..but it's still (in large part) just theory to suggest we derived from bacteria or monkeys.

I think I made that same point already. As I said, evolutionary theory is enormously successful, and there has been plenty of observation and testing. When you get into speciation, and then into origin of life issues, you're getting well away from that part of it. In fact, that's a small part of evolutionary theory as a whole, though its the part people who don't understand molecular evolution like to focus on when they're arguing against it.

As for bacteria from a pond, I don't know anyone who thinks that, evolutionary scientists included. Where did you get that idea? Same goes for humans being derived from monkeys. No one believes that either. At least, no one who understands evolution.

 

[Shogun]

first off. 10 points to steerpike for a healthy dollop of pwnage.


I've never seen an electron... or any atom for that matter. Why don't we go ahead and scrap the periodic table since, apparently, theories just don't count even if they are our closest understanding of the physical reality? Plate tectonics? I mean, has anyone ever SEEN continents drift? Anyone KNOW how many layers there are in the Earth anyway?

We rely on evidence when we can't create a lab test. Evolution has a pretty loquacious fossil record. Until I see better evidence for another theory the rhetorical bullshit just won't amount to much.

 

[BrianH]

I think I made that same point already. As I said, evolutionary theory is enormously successful, and there has been plenty of observation and testing. When you get into speciation, and then into origin of life issues, you're getting well away from that part of it. In fact, that's a small part of evolutionary theory as a whole, though its the part people who don't understand molecular evolution like to focus on when they're arguing against it.

As for bacteria from a pond, I don't know anyone who thinks that, evolutionary scientists included. Where did you get that idea? Same goes for humans being derived from monkeys. No one believes that either. At least, no one who understands evolution.

Hmm...maybe I'm starting to see the larger conspiracy of "taught" evolution here in the South then...LOL.