Posted 30 Nov. 2008, 10:51pm, by Stephen Pirie
Both are "wrong" (within the context of the general understanding, analysis and discussions). Within a broader, deeper holodynamic-systems context (as covered by the Key Principles of Life, for Life) both are "right" in that the system we experience is newly forming and being formed by intelligent interaction with the physical environment.
In QUADRANT March 2000 No. 364 Vol XLIV Number 3 pages 47 - 56. © Quadrant and E.J. Steele1
Is it possible for an active scientist to communicate esoteric research findings in plain everyday language? The short answer is no. This may only be possible for stories on more popular topics such as dinosaurs, the "Big Bang" and extraterrestrial life - they readily capture the public's attention and numerous definitions and qualifications are not necessary. Nevertheless I have agreed to do so following a kind request from the editor for a "plain language version of our work re Lamarckianism". While this is difficult, we have already tried to do just this in our recent book Lamarck's Signature .
Given current world circumstances (e.g. the 2008 global economic situation; recent and current controversies in the USA over the teaching of "Intelligent Design" and recent demonstrations against cartoons and books that are deemed blasphemous) perhaps it's timely that we gain a fuller perspective.
It is quite evident there are conflicting views on what is "Truth." Is Intelligent Design a valid alternative to the Theory of Evolution? Is it genuinely blasphemous to create an image of that which is deemed sacred?
How can we see our way clear of the jungle of conflicting faiths and beliefs?
If we are lost in a forest it is wise to climb a mountain or tree to gain some sense of location, and to see potential dangers in the way ahead.
In the contemporary jungle of ideas, facts and faiths, it is likewise helpful to gain a high vantage point in order to see through and beyond the 'prison bars' of religious, scientific and cultural beliefs. These 'prison bars' of belief can be (and often are) invisible to many. Nevertheless they can be as strong and as limiting as any jail cell – blocking and keeping us from seeing and living life more freely and fully.
A philosophical high-ground is gained in part by seeing the broad sweep of historical change of the human race; and how that change reflects our growing maturity as a species, and how that maturity, or lack of, influences how we think and behave.
"The Dynamics of Gender and Life" ebook is now available at https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-dynamics-of-gender-and-life
and at Google books (PDF)
"All in all, a wonderful piece of work, which I earnestly hope will reach a vast multitude of readers."
Frank Juszczyk, PhD
Professor Emeritus of English, Western New Mexico University