[Taxacom] teleology example

[Jim Betts]

In a properly rigorous argument, there shouldn't be recourse to teleology.
We probably all think teleologically sometimes, & mostly this is inocuous.
Is a properly constructed argument, any apparent or residual teleology should be reframed, even if the explanation is longer.
It will be longer, but will have more weight, as oppesed to zero weight.
If the teleology can't be reframed, then the thought expressed has a flaw, or else we are at the limits of science.

Systematic attempts to import teleology are interesting but problematic.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin died in 1955.
I don't know if he used teleological explanations in his purely technical papers.

There is a parallel with computers.
When someone says: <<The computer won't let me do that>>.
Obviously the computer has no opinion or intention.
But we understand what the speaker means.
A more precise description of the process is available - and is necessary - in the proper literature.

(Jim Betts)


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Grehan" <calabar.john at gmail.com>
To: "taxacom" <taxacom at mailman.nhm.ku.edu>
Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2013 3:12 PM
Subject: [Taxacom] teleology example


At various times I have raised, in this and other lists, the continued
presence of intelligent design theology in science in the form of explicit
teleology. Often the response is "that is not what they really intended".
Here's a nice explicit example: "it’s hard to see how these hair-like
processes would evolve if they didn’t serve a purpose." This from David
Winter, "a PhD student in evolutionary genetics who very occasionally
thinks he has something that the internet simply needs to know…" See
http://sciblogs.co.nz/the-atavism/tag/new-zealand/

John Grehan
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