Casey Luskin: ID as fruitful approach to science

_{Denyse O'Leary

May 13, 2022

Intelligent Design}

Share: Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Flipboard; Print; Email

In his Kitzmiller v. Dover testimony, biologist Kenneth Miller referred to intelligent design as a “science stopper.” Similarly, in his book Only a Theory, Miller stated, “The hypothesis of design is compatible with any conceivable data, makes no testable predictions, and suggests no new avenues for research. As such, it’s a literal dead end…”
Casey Luskin, “Science Stopper? Intelligent Design as a Fruitful Scientific Paradigm” at Evolution News (May 9, 2022)

Luskin offers a number of examples of areas where ID is a fruitful approach, including

Evolutionary computation: ID produces theoretical research into the information-generative powers of Darwinian searches, leading to the discovery that the search abilities of Darwinian processes are limited, which has practical implications for the viability of using genetic algorithms to solve problems.
Anatomy and physiology: ID predicts function for allegedly “vestigial” organs, structures, or systems whereas evolution has made many faulty predictions of nonfunction.
Bioinformatics: ID has helped scientists develop proper measures of biological information, leading to concepts like complex and specified information or functional sequence complexity. This allows us to better quantify complexity and understand what features are, or are not, within the reach of Darwinian evolution.
Casey Luskin, “Science Stopper? Intelligent Design as a Fruitful Scientific Paradigm” at Evolution News (May 9, 2022)

The trouble is, many people would just as soon that research into evolutionary computation anatomy and physiology, and bioinformatics, however fruitful, not be done if it undermines a comfortable Darwinism.

This is the 12th and final entry in Casey Luskin’s series, which is a modified excerpt from The Comprehensive Guide to Science and Faith: Exploring the Ultimate Questions About Life and the Cosmos (2021).

Incidentally, here are two hilarious vids about fake COVID news from Shanghai. Couldn’t think where to put it but wouldn’t want you to miss out.

Note: The content is available. The warning is part of the joke.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMJ8Sch0pXc

Comments

Sandy: Why did you cancel your surgery for arrogance removal ?
They couldn’t find it. The sarcasm organ hid it.JHolo_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
08:08 AM
8
08
08
AM
PDT}

William J Murray, So you're the guy with the Resist bumper sticker on your car. Good to know. :)relatd_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
08:03 AM
8
08
03
AM
PDT}

I am allergic to penicillin, I had scoliosis surgery at the age of 17 (Harrington rod), a spontaneous pneumothorax and surgery to correct it when I was 20. I had a vasectomy when I was 32 (under a general). I have myopia and macular degeneration. I have had my wisdom teeth removed and have four dental implant. Is there anything else you would like to know?
Why did you cancel your surgery for arrogance removal ?Sandy_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
07:40 AM
7
07
40
AM
PDT}

: KF: JH, do you think it is advisable to release medical or other personal information online?
I am allergic to penicillin, I had scoliosis surgery at the age of 17 (Harrington rod), a spontaneous pneumothorax and surgery to correct it when I was 20. I had a vasectomy when I was 32 (under a general). I have myopia and macular degeneration. I have had my wisdom teeth removed and have four dental implant. Is there anything else you would like to know?JHolo_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
06:51 AM
6
06
51
AM
PDT}

"When huge amounts of money are involved, I assume it’s all entirely corrupt and, generally speaking, I don’t believe a word anyone profiting from that powerful, authoritative influence is saying." WJM, Ditto. Andrewasauber_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
05:01 AM
5
05
01
AM
PDT}

JVL You should read Neil Shubin’s book Some Assembly Required wherein he lays out cases where a documented change in a control gene does lead to a change in morphology
Here's Neil Shubin : https://youtu.be/1C3oTjWkkdg JVL,take a pen and paper and check how many times an unprovable assumption(storytelling) is done and how many times a scientific fact is presented. To spot the storytelling you have to watch it as if you 've never heard about the theory of Darwin . :)Sandy_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
04:48 AM
4
04
48
AM
PDT}

A good multivitamin, along with added zinc, vitamin D, antioxidants and an ionophore like green tea or quercetin is all anyone needs to be protected from covid and influenza.ET_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
04:06 AM
4
04
06
AM
PDT}

Just over 250 comments in roughly two days that has got nowhere. UD at its best. jerry_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
04:04 AM
4
04
04
AM
PDT}

I am flying. I am unvaccinated. I haven't been sick since the pandemic started. Yet I have been, maskless, to crowded and over-crowded venues. I have been around sick people.ET_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
03:56 AM
3
03
56
AM
PDT}

Anyone else prepared to say whether they’ve been vaccinated and why?
I haven't had any of the Covid-19 shots. I also never had a flu shot. The reason? A deep, apparently innate anti-authoritarianism. I have zero trust for virtually anyone or any group that positions itself as authoritative, and a natural inclination to not do what they want me to do, and not believe what they want me to believe. The more powerful and insistent the person or group, the more inclined I am to resist. I think there's a direct correlation between the attempted exercise of the power of the person/group and the likelihood it is due to corrupt self-interest at the expense of those they are attempting to exert that power and influence over. When huge amounts of money are involved, I assume it's all entirely corrupt and, generally speaking, I don't believe a word anyone profiting from that powerful, authoritative influence is saying.William J Murray_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
02:59 AM
2
02
59
AM
PDT}

JH, do you think it is advisable to release medical or other personal information online? You have enough given information and reasonable access to more, especially on a matter of such sobering import. I suggest that you ponder the case of the student who had an adverse reaction sustained for seven months to date, got a physician recommendation per stated policy then was subjected to disciplinary action including meal card lockout apparently without warning. There are many others, and while you will predictably be dismissive, there is a growing list of repurposed drugs with significant evidence of effectiveness, including population level data. The forced false dilemma is without warrant and arguably constitutes a global violation of the hard-bought Nuremberg Code. KF PS, even the traditional lemon/fever grass has immunoregulatory effect, hence its second name. PPS, Ironically, it is now hard to find advice online on the risks of marijuana.kairosfocus_{May 18, 2022
May
05
May
18
18
2022
01:55 AM
1
01
55
AM
PDT}

1, ID 2, EV 3, ID 4, ? 5, ? 6, ? 7, ? The ? indicating statements I disagree with but don't read like ID.Fred Hickson_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
11:23 PM
11
11
23
PM
PDT}

Yeah, I love all the regurgitated propaganda. Of my friends, acquaintances, and relatives in the US, I'd say that about a quarter of them had alarming reactions to the Covid-19 vaccine and one of them died as a result (healthy and active, but dead within about a month). His death was never reported through the VAERS database, which is very hard to use. Another friend had such a bad reaction, he said he thought he was going to die and chose not to get any further jabs. My neighbor also had a severe reaction (he was dizzy for a month or two to the degree that he couldn't drive his car). A diabetic friend of mine got Covid, was very sick, but was advised to get the vaccine anyway. He did and suffered a severe reaction. Maybe this is just "luck," but it's significant to me! The other day, I saw that the UK posted the statistics related to Covid-19 and the vaccines, which made it seem that the vaccine resulted in MORE additional deaths than what it presumably prevented! A bunch of people that I know who were vaccinated got infected with Covid-19 anyway, and one vaccinated family member, more than once. Our family and other people I know continue to wear masks, treat everyone else as having chicken pox, and gargle/swab with 0.5-1.0% Povidone Iodine after any potential exposure. Two studies that I'm aware of (look for them on PubMed) shows that PVP-I destroys all detectable viruses and bacteria after 30-60 seconds. I buy it by the gallon and dilute it to a 1% solution. -QQuerius_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
08:04 PM
8
08
04
PM
PDT}

We know that ET is not vaccinated for COVID. but we haven’t heard from KF yet. The unvaccinated have made air travel far easier for me because they aren’t flying. So, the selfish part of me encourages those who refuse to get vaccines. But, the unvaccinated have also tied up ICUs, delaying necessary surgeries for those who must stay in the ICU after their surgeries. So, your resistance to vaccinations has its pros and cons. The pros are that it makes air travel for the vaccinated easier. The cons is that it kills people.JHolo_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
06:56 PM
6
06
56
PM
PDT}

For some fun, let's play a game; Guess whether the originator of each following quote is an advocate of Intelligent Design (ID) or of Evolution (EV): 1.
“For a long time, the holy grail was to build a tree of life.” A few years ago it looked as though the grail was within reach. But today the project lies in tatters, torn to pieces by an onslaught of negative evidence. Many biologists now argue that the tree concept is obsolete and needs to be discarded. “We have no evidence at all that the tree of life is a reality.” That bombshell has even persuaded some that our fundamental view of biology needs to change.
2.
Ideas about heredity and evolution are undergoing a revolutionary change. New findings in molecular biology challenge the gene-centered version of Darwinian theory according to which adaptation occurs only through natural selection of chance DNA variations.
3.
An important new paradigm for understanding biological evolution, the core organizing principle of biology introduces crucial new molecular evidence that tests the conventional scientific view of evolution based on the neo-Darwinian synthesis, shows why this view is inadequate to today’s evidence, and presents a compelling alternative view of the evolutionary process that reflects the shift in life sciences towards a more information- and systems-based approach . . .
3.
. . . .integrates advances in symbiogenesis, epigenetics, and saltationism into a unified approach that views evolutionary change as an active cell process, regulated epigenetically and capable of making rapid large changes by horizontal DNA transfer, inter-specific hybridization, whole genome doubling, symbiogenesis, or massive genome restructuring.
4.
The genome is not life itself. Far from genes building organisms, they should be seen as prisoners of the organism.
5.
Epigenetics can potentially revolutionize our understanding of the structure and behavior of biological life on Earth. It explains why mapping an organism’s genetic code is not enough to determine how it develops or acts and shows how nurture combines with nature to engineer biological diversity.
6.
. . . evidence that a paradigm shift is underway or has already taken place, replacing neo-Darwinism (the standard model of evolution based on natural selection following the accumulation of random genetic mutations) with a vastly richer evolutionary synthesis than previously thought possible.
7.
. . . in a reappraisal and a new synthesis of theories, concepts, and hypotheses on the key aspects of the evolution of life on earth in light of comparative genomics and systems biology. . . . presents many specific examples from systems and comparative genomic analysis to begin to build a new, much more detailed, complex, and realistic picture of evolution. The book examines a broad range of topics in evolutionary biology including the inadequacy of natural selection and adaptation as the only or even the main mode of evolution . . .
-QQuerius_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
06:31 PM
6
06
31
PM
PDT}

The politics and bureaucracy of adverse events https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/05/college-student-experienced-adverse-reaction-following-second-dose-covid-vaccine-gets-expelled-refusing-booster-shot-despite-doctor-requests-exemption/ Apparently they don't believe such reactions are real or can be serious so they are treating medical challenges as disciplinary issues. Given phenomena such as anaphylactic shock, likely they are going to end up with unacknowledged blood on their hands. But then, that is already happening over the mass killing of our living posterity in the womb. In short, this reflects benumbed conscience and darkened thought in action that is eroding the value, respect for life.kairosfocus_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
04:46 PM
4
04
46
PM
PDT}

JVL:
Look, if most biological variation is just down to mutating control genes then that makes workable variation even more plausible and possible.
Control genes just determine if the organism will develop properly or not. They do NOT determine the type of organism that will develop.
We were talking about what makes an organism and, clearly, as indicated by real science, some of it comes down to different control genes.
No. We are talking about what determines the types of organisms. And seeing that you cannot account for control genes, you are begging the question.
But does that mean you’re will to concede the point that some life form changes are due to control gene mutations?
Deformities, JVL.
To understand the challenge to the “superwatch” model by the erosion of the gene-centric view of nature, it is necessary to recall August Weismann’s seminal insight more than a century ago regarding the need for genetic determinants to specify organic form. As Weismann saw so clearly, in order to account for the unerring transmission through time with precise reduplication, for each generation of “complex contingent assemblages of matter” (superwatches), it is necessary to propose the existence of stable abstract genetic blueprints or programs in the genes- he called them “determinants”- sequestered safely in the germ plasm, away from the ever varying and destabilizing influences of the extra-genetic environment. Such carefully isolated determinants would theoretically be capable of reliably transmitting contingent order through time and specifying it reliably each generation. Thus, the modern “gene-centric” view of life was born, and with it the heroic twentieth century effort to identify Weismann’s determinants, supposed to be capable of reliably specifying in precise detail all the contingent order of the phenotype. Weismann was correct in this: the contingent view of form and indeed the entire mechanistic conception of life- the superwatch model- is critically dependent on showing that all or at least the vast majority of organic form is specified in precise detail in the genes. Yet by the late 1980s it was becoming obvious to most genetic researchers, including myself, since my own main research interest in the ‘80s and ‘90s was human genetics, that the heroic effort to find information specifying life’s order in the genes had failed. There was no longer the slightest justification for believing there exists anything in the genome remotely resembling a program capable of specifying in detail all the complex order of the phenotype. The emerging picture made it increasingly difficult to see genes as Weismann’s “unambiguous bearers of information” or view them as the sole source of the durability and stability of organic form. It is true that genes influence every aspect of development, but influencing something is not the same as determining it. Only a small fraction of all known genes, such as the developmental fate switching genes, can be imputed to have any sort of directing or controlling influence on form generation. From being “isolated directors” of a one-way game of life, genes are now considered to be interactive players in a dynamic two-way dance of almost unfathomable complexity, as described by Keller in The Century of The Gene- Michael Denton “An Anti-Darwinian Intellectual Journey”, Uncommon Dissent (2004), pages 171-2
DNA doesn't have any magical power. It isn't the molecule that you need it to be. They took a control gene from a mouse (PAX6) and inserted it into a fruit fly to replace its homolog (eyeless). These HOX genes controlled eye development. The fly developed fruit fly eyes. There isn't anything in the genome that determines the type of organism that will develop. And you can't account for the processes involved in developmental biology. So, you are begging the question.ET_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
03:41 PM
3
03
41
PM
PDT}

FH, you just wrote off the technology behind mRNA vaxxes. Own goal. But then, that's what you get from following accusatory critics. KFkairosfocus_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
03:35 PM
3
03
35
PM
PDT}

JVL:
Yes, true, but their viral load is much lower (which reduces the chances of spreading the disease) AND they suffer from much less severe symptoms.
Not lower than mine. Weird that I have not been sick even though I have been maskless in crowded and over-crowded situations. I have been in hospitals. I have been in schools. Friends have had the vaccination and still became severely ill. And I wouldn't expect studies from doctors communicating cause-and-effect relationships. It shouldn't be too difficult to search on, though.ET_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
03:33 PM
3
03
33
PM
PDT}

@ Sandy I'll concede that (though achondroplasia has been exploited by dog breeders in breeds such as the Basset hound, Dachshund, corgi very successfully) biological evolution in the sense of selection does not run wild. My point that genetic variation and morphology are clearly linked remains.Fred Hickson_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
03:00 PM
3
03
00
PM
PDT}

FredHicks Short stature can be an advantage, depending on niche.
:) Yep, very advantageous niche :Need treatments with growth hormone and have complications such as obesity, hydrocephalus, obstructive sleep apnea, middle ear infections or spinal stenosis . All these will help them to adapt better than normal people,and become stronger,faster ,smarter outcompete them .:) PS: Storytelling disguised as science . This is all you have . Try again. Not a single word about scientific evidences about morphological changes (that are ADAPTIVE and NOT "genetic disorders") WITHOUT being changes in genome? . Don't be shy!Sandy_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
02:34 PM
2
02
34
PM
PDT}

ET: Yes. Changes in control genes do not explain those control genes. They do not explain meiosis All you have is question-begging. And I am not surprised that you don’t see that. Look, if most biological variation is just down to mutating control genes then that makes workable variation even more plausible and possible. And, you're changing the goal posts, again. We were talking about what makes an organism and, clearly, as indicated by real science, some of it comes down to different control genes. Which is a different issue from where did those control genes come from, true. But does that mean you're will to concede the point that some life form changes are due to control gene mutations?JVL_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
02:07 PM
2
02
07
PM
PDT}

Yep, this doesn’t help you too much. I was talking about darwinian evolution.
Me too.
Why do you think is called “genetic disorder” and not “genetic evolution”? You should call them to edit.
If I were Peter Dinklage, I'd find that label pretty insulting. Short stature can be an advantage, depending on niche.
Oh wait I know what you think :men are women , genetic disorder is genetic evolution.
Fond of labels, are you? I addressed the point that genetic mutations lead to morphological changes. Whether those changes are beneficial or should be called disorders depends on the context of the niche.Fred Hickson_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
02:02 PM
2
02
02
PM
PDT}

I'm also very sorry to hear about ET's wife. Prayers for her full recovery.
1000 COVID Stories https://1000covidstories.com/ If you go online and do simple research on the term “COVID Vaccine Side Effects” you are presented with a gaggle of links that are strangely similar. “Side effects are minor and common.” “Side effects are a sign that your vaccine is working properly.” When you visit YouTube and do the same search, again, the videos have a consistent theme. “The risk from the vaccines are less than the risks from COVID” and “vaccine side effects are actually a good thing.” If you post a comment or video on Facebook about vaccine side effects your post is deleted and your account may be closed. But when you go to an uncensored website like Bitchute.com or Rumble.com and do the same search, you see hundreds of videos from real people who have had horrific side effects from their injections. This website is dedicated to sharing the truth about these people and their testimonials. Watch for yourself and make up your own mind.
Ok, I did as suggested above: https://rumble.com/search/video?q=%E2%80%9CCOVID%20Vaccine%20Side%20Effects%E2%80%9DSilver Asiatic_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
02:02 PM
2
02
02
PM
PDT}

ET: Vaccinated people can get infected and spread it to those people. What is wrong with you? Yes, true, but their viral load is much lower (which reduces the chances of spreading the disease) AND they suffer from much less severe symptoms. As for my wife- It’s the thyroid. And clearly he knew of other such cases. I suppose he did. I would still be interested in seeing those studies. Didn't you ask? My wife had to get vaccinated or loose her job. I don’t have that issue. My kid had to get vaccinated or not go to college. I don’t have that issue. Okay. that explains the difference. Your daughter is okay then? I hope. She hasn't had any problems?JVL_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
02:02 PM
2
02
02
PM
PDT}

Neil Shubin doesn’t have any idea what makes an organism what it is. He doesn’t know what determines biological form. He doesn’t have any clue how blind and mindless processes produced metazoans, which require meiosis and the processes involved with developmental biology. Still stands, JVLET_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
02:01 PM
2
02
01
PM
PDT}

JVL:
Did you actually read his book and the studies he cites?
Yes. Changes in control genes do not explain those control genes. They do not explain meiosis All you have is question-begging. And I am not surprised that you don't see that.ET_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
02:00 PM
2
02
00
PM
PDT}

Fred Hickson:
In the case of Covid, the benefit far outweighs the risk.
That's your opinion. In the cases of the flu or covid, OTC supplements are better for most people. We wouldn't even be having this discussion if OTC supplements were mandatory- if you couldn't keep the proper concentrations from food alone.ET_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
01:58 PM
1
01
58
PM
PDT}

ET: Neil Shubin doesn’t have any idea what makes an organism what it is. He doesn’t know what determines biological form. Did you actually read his book and the studies he cites? These are just thought publications, they are based on observed, experiment generated data. Changes in control genes can lead to changes in morphology. It's really clear. In fact, it seems that the basic building blocks of life are fairly common amongst all life forms. What changes is when the production of certain proteins are turned on and turned off. Which is down to the control genes. If that is true then that would mean that you could get a lot of variation in life forms with fewer mutations. All you need to do is to control the control genes.JVL_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
01:57 PM
1
01
57
PM
PDT}

Zinc represses viruses in the body and in the lab. Researchers now know how it does it.ET_{May 17, 2022
May
05
May
17
17
2022
01:56 PM
1
01
56
PM
PDT}

Prev 1 2 3 4 … 13 Next

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Leave a Reply