padraig@utastro.UUCP (Padraig Houlahan) (05/24/85)
I have challanged Paul DuBois' assertion that either creationism is correct or evolution is, on the grounds that such a claim is incorrect, and not scientific. After repeated reminders there has been no retraction. This is pretty damning evidence of creationist sincerity to engage in serious debate, and of their ability to think scientifically. The importance of this issue stems from the fact that Paul and all the other creationists on this net are wasting their time if indeed it is not an either/or sitution. The reason for this is that if his assertion is incorrect then there is no point in attacking evolution since another scientific theory could replace it in the event that the attack should prove successful. Attacking evolution therefore does not provide any support, scientific or otherwise,for creationism. Another consequence of it not being an either/or situation is that as a creationist, Paul will be forced to try and gather scientific evidence for his point of view - if he is sincerely trying to be scientific. On the other hand, if the real intent behind his writings is just to discredit a scientific theory that conflicts with his religious views then he will continue to debate in his usual manner (attacking evolution) and ignore this posting. Paul, as I see it, has the following options: 1) If he is sincere about creationism being scientific then he will retract his earlier assertion, and admit that in science you cannot prove a theory just by disproving another. His future writings will concern the "burning issue" of whether creationism is scientific or not. 2) Ignore this posting, along with the others that have requested an elaboration/ correction of his position. The implications of a continuation of this behaviour being pretty obvious. Padraig Houlahan.