Challenge--find the error in the Modern Synthesis

PUBLISHER:

redshirt

Shaun Johnston:
In modern times we've made two revolutionary discoveries. One is, how changes in physical matter can be accounted for in terms of physical laws that can predict precisely what will happen next. Having given rise to science (how this can be studied) and industry (how it can be applied) this revolution is well under way.

The second revolution is, how emergence of species of living creatures can be accounted for in terms of them evolving from one another. This revolution, despite its promise of how much it could tell us about ourselves, remains stillborn through the mistaken application to it of principles coming out of the first revolution--reductive physicalism.

For this second revolution to advance it should be taken from under the wing of science and studied on its own terms. Tip: one recent product of evolution is creatures with minds. Minds are better studied through methods of the humanities than through those of science. Tell me, does this interest you?

Details: Written by Shaun Johnston Shaun Johnston; Published: September 24, 2012 September 24, 2012; Hits: 7340 7340

According to the Modern Synthesis, the evolution of a complex organ such as an elephant’s trunk arises through a series of logical steps. Could there be an error hidden in them? Follow along as I trace through the seven steps.

My conclusion: only the first two steps are not flawed. Step 3 may not in practice be true. The rest are wrong. There is precious little of the Modern Synthesis left; it is not merely flawed, it is a fairy story along the lines of Jack and Beanstalk.

Oops! I've given away the answer! Well, take the challenge anyway, and see if you agree with me.