[extropy-chat] Reverse Evolution ?

[spike]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: extropy-chat-bounces at lists.extropy.org [mailto:extropy-chat-
> bounces at lists.extropy.org] On Behalf Of Brandon Reinhart
> Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2006 7:59 PM
> To: 'ExI chat list'
> Subject: Re: [extropy-chat] Reverse Evolution ?
> 
> > Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to explain evolutionary
> theory to the layman using the amount of text that would fit on one side
> of
> one sheet of printer paper, using language not out of reach of the average
> eighth grader.  Ready set go.
> 
> This frustrates me...

Me too.


> ...People are not so dumb. When inclined, any average
> layman is capable of great feats of understanding. The real motivator is a
> desire to learn. If a person is dead set against evolution, no simple
> explanation will catch their imagination...


Agreed.  I have in mind something like the quantum mechanics website that
Amara posted, but for evolution.  Everything should be made as simple as
possible, but not simpler.  Explanations of evolution have been offered that
are simpler than possible to get the point across.  Evolution will not fit
on a bumper sticker.  But creationism will.  With room left over.


> ...What is missing is the explanation of the
> complete picture: the world view in absence of a creator; the reasoning
for a moral framework without god given ethics...

I am open to suggestion.


> I think the "one side of one sheet of printer paper" explanations are the
> reason for so a poor understanding of evolutionary theory. What we should
> do is say "before you criticize, educate yourself."  We should encourage
> people to read Darwin. I would be willing to bet that the majority of
those who
> oppose evolutionary theory, or have a weak grasp of the principles, are
> not well read on the subject... Brandon


Active minds will grok evolution.  But how do we introduce evolution to lazy
and indifferent minds?  Is it necessary?  Is it even possible?

spike