JoshuaZ comments on The Wonder of Evolution - Less Wrong

34 Post author: Eliezer_Yudkowsky 02 November 2007 08:49PM

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Comment author: JoshuaZ 01 May 2012 03:20:39PM 7 points [-]

I think that is where we differ, it is in the macro-micro evolutionary distinction. That mathematical model does not hold any water if you distinguish between species.

Speciation is a well-established result. See for example this not at all exhaustive list. Simply noting that species is a term that exists doesn't break the models. Moreover, the lines between many species are quite blurry, exactly as one would expect if evolution were correct. This has gotten to the point where the evidence for speciation is so overwhelming that Answers in Genesis, one of the world's largest young earth creationist ministries, lists the claim that speciation doesn't occur as an argument not to use.

Also, I would say that the word 'random' is in essence a philosophical term, not scientific. It is a term of interpretation.

Shannon and Kolmogrov among others would disagree with you.