Too Bad It Was On The Editorial Page

It was very nice to read a balanced article on Intelligent Design, from the NYTimes.

William Dembski, one of the most vocal supporters of intelligent design, notes that he provoked Thomas Schneider, a biologist, into a response that Dr. Dembski characterizes as "some hair-splitting that could only look ridiculous to outsider observers." What looks to scientists - and is - a knockout objection by Dr. Schneider is portrayed to most everyone else as ridiculous hair-splitting.

Too bad it is in the op-ed section of the paper.

Which brings me to something else. World View. We all filter information we gather from some perspective. I from a scientists perspective, perhaps a painter form a painter's perspective. When I get information about a painting I can tell simple stuff -- I like it, neat use of colors, etc., it looks like a Picasso -- but I don't have the ability to tell the expert stuff -- is it really a Picasso. So I look to an expert. But how do I choose an expert? What if two of the experts disagree? Worse is what if I already own the painting, so I want to believe it is a Picasso?

How does someone that isn't a scientist judge the evolution arguments? Especially if they are already favor one side of the argument because of their upbringing? Especially when our government -- which one might trust as a source -- seems to be saying that ID is a viable option?

If you didn't know what to trust off the top of your head and you started reading all these blogs both pro-ID and anti-ID could you tell? How long would it take you?

Comments

[claire.bertiaux]

Dedicated to Picasso, as i am totally unculturad in the last subject of the day: ID. If you need so comlete palette of different colours on the screen it is because all the materials since the plastic have closed the mixing you can do yourself. Picasso: When i miss of blue i use red...
So many nuances than you can't decide by yourself in so much and you NEED to be sure it is one Picasso..So many Picasso and so many "inédits de Jean Cocteau". Try to ask to French peoples what are inédits de Jean Cocteau...And mines!!!! All right reserved.
Thanks for your attention. Le Touquet. 29 august 2005. 18 h 10