[shunyadragon]

</span><blockquote><span class="smallfont">Quote:</span><hr size="1" />Originally Posted by (lostkiwi,)
</span><blockquote><span class="smallfont">Quote:</span><hr size="1" />Originally Posted by (Warren,)
Was Life Designed to Evolve?  <hr size="1" /></blockquote><span class='postcolor'>

Yes, but designed by what? To evolve into what? This is where things can get tricky. Natural selection is the process by which random mutations are organized into a designed life form. The fact that random mutation is the engine of change in Evolution (by natural selection) means that there is no goal other than successful reproduction of the organism. If a gene can't see into the next generation how can it see some end result billions of years down the road?

We are not the end result of evolution just another step along a never-ending path. Evolution is happening right now, recognition of this however relies more on Taxonomy then any other science. It depends on the definition of Species more than their obvious change. A good example of this would be modern Canines, a Terrier and a Great Dane will never have a chance to reproduce with each other in nature yet they are still defined as the same species.<hr size="1" /></blockquote><span class='postcolor'>

Design is not a real good word for describing the origins or the way existence developed through time, because it has too many anthropomorphic connotations. But since it was used in this thread it is the way I will approach the debate.

Design to me is more in the nature of existence that was determined by the perameters and constraints of existence we interprete as the laws of nature in science from our point of view. It may be interpreted as the diliberate intent of a creator, if you believe in a theistic view. Unfortunately the evidence is lacking to 'prove' anything about the origins of existence and whether ther is a guiding hand of God through time. I believe in God, but not the mechanical 'clockmaker God' of traditional Christian theology.

It is important for everyone to realize that regardless of what we believe, it is from our limited point of view whether we are interpreting the nature of existence form the religious or scientific point of view, or possibly both.