Evolution: Search for the origin of life and naturalism

Basic Ideas: The question of origin

Contents

We have but snapshots of the history of life at our disposal. It is impossible to directly investigate the past course of events. A few mosaic stones, many of which are missing,  have to be pieced together in search of an overall picture. So to reconstruct the past, we have to apply some kind of a model.

How can origins be researched?

Overall picture and puzzle pieces

How can origins be researched?

The history of life does not allow direct scientific investigation; It can only be addressed in two ways:

1. on the basis of the actual result as can be studied directly today (i.e. the present variety of life forms, the "geological face" of the earth as it presents itself today etc.),

2. through separate snapshots of prior events (e.g. fossils). We thus have but relatively few mosaic stones of a complex picture. How can they be pieced together and augmented with unknown pieces in such a way that a complete and consistent picture is attained?

Overall picture and puzzle pieces

It is much easier to piece a mosaic together, if we have a pattern or model to rely on. In the research of origins, however, large sections of the model are missing and there are but few puzzle pieces. In the absence of a model, one is obliged to develop a suitable concept. As regards the question of origins, all persons involved in research, work on the basis of an at least rough concept of how the history of life may have been. They need a model to interpret the meaning of the mosaic pieces.

Such a model can vary greatly. Today, most scientists allow only for natural processes as cause for the development of life and its variety. Such an approach entails an evolutionary doctrine. Alternatively, the creationist doctrine presupposes a creative act of a transcendent prime mover. The doctrinal designation of evolution and creation have been deliberately chosen as in their entirety, as both views transcend both natural science and scientific theories. The reasons for this claim are given in the article on scientific theory.

Translator: Anthony Gygax, 17.01.2004

Author: Reinhard Junker

 
© 2004