Biology textbook hearings prompt science disputes [Texas]

Knight Ridder Newspapers ^ | 08 July 2003 | MATT FRAZIER

[exmarine]

Well, the Big Bang theory did postulate a certain frequency of cosmic background radiation, and when researchers went looking for it, low and behold, they found it. This is a case of a theory making a prediction that tested out in the end. It most definitely has something going for it, wouldn't you agree?

Showing that any theory has sufficient evidence to support it is not a valid argument that all other theories must also have sufficient evidence to support them.

With the BB, one must assume that the physical laws and constants came about by chance...as did matter and time, but that's a topic for another thread, isn't it?

[exmarine]

By the way, check out the astrophysics on: www.reasons.org and let me know what you think.

[atlaw]

"A virus is a segment of RNA surrounded by a protein shell that contains the information to reproduce more copies of itself. It is not alive."

This explanation of why a virus is not alive seems to beg the question. Isn't self-replication an integral component of life?

[AndrewC]

From the standpoint of pure logic, I don't think it's Kosher to use the word "living" as an essential part of the definition of life.

Sorry to confuse you. Cells are living because they truly self-replicate and they metabolize in order to do so.

[js1138]

Good. So you don't think pianos are alive either?

Agreed, So much for the preface of my post; now on to the content.

[AndrewC]

Isn't self-replication an integral component of life?

Yes, that is why virii are not alive. They do not self-replicate.

[Onelifetogive]

Medical doctors consult medical theory. Repeat, scientific theories are discoveries of how our natural reality is organized. To the extent a theory is useful it will be used. To the extent a theory is not useful it won’t be used.

These last two are definitely not always true.

One would be a fool to assume that medical theory operates solely on what is effective and what is not. Money and government inteference are the major drivers in medical practice. Do companies spend $250 Million to prove that vitimin C is effective at whatever? No. The cost cannot be recouped. Do doctors only perform techniques that "medical theory" say is best, or are they driven by cost or lawsuit avoidance?

Are all equally accepted theories equally valid? Of course not.

People who don't want to give up their suspect theories will ridicule and marginalize those who would question those suspect theories.

I don't know the validity of the Government's nutritional theories versus Dr. Adkins' theories. But I do know that he was marginalized and ridiculed by those whe feared that their theory would be debunked.

[AndrewC]

Agreed, So much for the preface of my post; now on to the content.

Virii do not self-replicate, neither do they metabolize.

[js1138]

Sorry to confuse you. Cells are living because they truly self-replicate and they metabolize in order to do so.

Are you saying that viruses do not expend energy during replication?

[LiteKeeper]

Man I would love to see what kind of database you have!

Right now it is over 5 gigabytes - it is a Lotus Notes database. (My day job is writing applications in Lotus Notes and Domino.) It is full-text indexed...and very accessible.

[CobaltBlue]

>>I predict a large and colorful essay on prions an viruses.<<

This strikes me as one of those areas where fools rush in, and scholars tread gently.

[f.Christian]

Darwinists are only programmed to see - propagate the lies ...

and deny -- obfuscate reality - truth !


ANTI - science ...

same as liberals --- hate // destroy God - science - conservativism !

[exmarine]

First, not mentioning religion is not the same as discounting religion. Second, atheism is not a religion. It's the abscence of theism, nothing more and nothing less.

Teaching principles consistent with a religion is tantamount to teaching the relion. Second, atheism most certainly is a religion - it's a belief system wherein one chooses to believe that there is no God. It's a faith belief as much as theism is. Atheism (word comes from theos) cannot exist without theism, and it's adherents spend endless hours arging against theism which is prima facie evidence that there is no absence of belief, but vehement belief AGAINST theism. If atheism is total lack of belief, then a true atheist can only remain silent on the subject of God and theism. I have never met one who can keep his mouth shut in this regard.

[RightWhale]

Nor do they snuggle up to piano builders and cause them to create more copies of themselves.

Interesting. So do piano builders create pianos without reference to existing pianos?

[AndrewC]

Are you saying that viruses do not expend energy during replication?

No, the cell does.

[Lurking Libertarian]

With the BB, one must assume that the physical laws and constants came about by chance...as did matter and time,

I don't think that's required by Big Bang theory at all. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[Onelifetogive]

I've posted this before, but I don't recognize your screen name. Enjoy

I'm new at harassing the evolutionists. I have been busy for a couple of years offending the Catholics. I'm branching out.

[js1138]

Virii do not self-replicate, neither do they metabolize.

That's a reasonable definition, but not one accepted universally. The problem is that viruses and prions are not just pieces of furniture. The fact that their replication is parasitic does not exclude them from the realm of life. There is a huge gap between things that replicate and things that don't

[js1138]

I'm new at harassing the evolutionists. I have been busy for a couple of years offending the Catholics. I'm branching out.

As this thread progresses, you will be welcomed for both of your skills. ;^)

Just watch.

[AndrewC]

The fact that their replication is parasitic does not exclude them from the realm of life.

Come now a Barbie Doll is alive?