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The mission of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science is to support scientific education, critical thinking and evidence-based understanding of the natural world in the quest to overcome religious fundamentalism, superstition, intolerance and suffering.
The Magic of Reality
for the iPad
Sean Faircloth:
Attack of the Theocrats!
Excellent addition to the site in my humble opinion :p
In regards to the so called "irreducible complexity" of the eye, anti-evolutionists often use the following Darwin quote, mined from the chapter ''Difficulties of the Theory,''of Darwin's Origin of the Species:-
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However the follow on paragraph is always ommitted from their quote.
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He continues..
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My personal favourite rebuttal to the creationist "eye complexity argument" is a link to the following question and answer session with Walter Gehring. Last year Gehring was hot favourite with many in the "industry" to be awarded a Nobel Prize for his discovery of Hox genes.
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http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/04/4/text_pop/l_044_01.html
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Hox genes are master genes at the apex of developmental pathways in embryos. Homologous Hox genes, (very similar higly conserved DNA gene sequences) have been identified across extremely diverse kinds of species coding for comparable areas of embryonic development.
The discovery is considered very strong support for a common molecular ancestor.
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In the past year whenever I've been involved in any discussions over the "irreducible complexity of the eye" and presented this information, I've yet to be presented with a rebuttal! In future I will also be sure to add a link for Richard's video adding a little more icing on that cake :)
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I'm also a huge fan of the Talk Origins website. I link it regularly and think the site deserves some kind of award for it's handling of creationist anti-evolution claims.
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A favourite question I have for the anti-evolution YECs/IDists is "why would god create/design scent glands around the human anus?".
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Another handy link: Answers in Genesis Statement of faith. AiG is very often referenced by the YECs, (Young Earth Creationists), when they are trying to argue for the scientific basis (:p) of Genesis.
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http://www.answersingenesis.org/about/faith
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The whole statement is a handy ref. but that one is my favourite :)
Permalink Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:01:00 UTC | #79878