Defense of Irreducible Complexity?

I recently came across a video on YouTube which was a clip from a "documentary" in which an apparent biochemist suggest evolution was trumped due to the Irreducible Complexity of the bacterial flagellum. We've all heard this before, and have heard the rebuttal. This post isn't about that. This is about how, I've noticed, creationists try to avoid reading the arguments and facts. It seems that for those new to Internet debate its a simple mass-denial, where a group all deny it, and congratulate each other on how 'smart' they are. Those of a little more experience get to the accusations quickly. I asked a simple question about the nature of empiricism, and he accused me of preparing to move the goal posts or accusing him of being misinformed, or under-educated on the subject. I will now explain what confuses me.

Firstly, where are the goal posts going to move? On my side of the field, to keep with the metaphor, they are securely set at the position of evolution from simpler stages. Where will they move? To my mind there is nowhere for it to go. I'm not saying anything about their side, so I can't move their goal post.

Second, why do I need to move the goal post? My side is more then adequately presented, theirs is obviously an argument from ignorance. I can even show it. The best example of goal-post moving is when an evolution-denier asks for a certain level of proof, and when it's presented he say that he actually meant a higher level of proof. I am SO confused.

Third, I've sent 1 message, and the guy assumes I'm out to get him. I was just trying to ascertain his level of knowledge of science and the scientific method, and he gets hostile. Seems to me that if a point is strong enough, one shouldn't need to make accusations until something actually happens.

In order to try and either get him to withdraw his accusations, or at least calm down, I replied with a message asking him to explain what he meant, and assured him that I'm sure he educated himself on the subject before posting his video. To not do so would be completely retarded. He hasn't responded yet, but it hasn't been long.

I do hope I can converse with this guy intelligently, although to do so I would need to penetrate his shield of ignorance, an I do not have the patience for that. Chances are, I'll have to debunk every false fact he says and point out any logical fallacies he uses.

If you happen to run across someone of this calibre, be careful, as they have enough experience in debating to make the slightest mishap seem like a enormous hole in your point. 'Tis better to disengage if unprepared, or to proof-read all posts. ALWAYS THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK! Otherwise we may have to re-align your logical compass.

Just me ranting about a guy on the net... Until next time,
crites evidentia logica.

Time Tested Truths

We've all heard of them. Eternal Truths. From "Toasts lands butter side down", to kindred spirits that are drawn together throughout lifetimes, these ideas have a firm hold in society, and will have for generations to come. But what is the point. Simple, there isn't one. These ideas, like this post, are pointless aside from an amusing anecdote in an otherwise boring life. But what happens when that changes?

For a while now, I've been seeing ads on TV talking about "love calculators". These really are the stupidist things I've seen. The idea that compatability is reducible soley to an arbitrary configuration of letters, (Names), is ludicrous. Yet, I have no doubt that there are people in this world stupid, or crazy, enough to believe it. This would mean those people could decide against dating a nice guy, and decide to date a horrible guy. Or vice versa. It could ruin perfect relationships, or bring a realisation to a victim of a bad one.

It has the potential to bring great joy and great pain, and overall would have little effect on the world. But the problem I have with it is not with the calculations, but with the profit making. Everyone wants to be happy and in a relationship. Playing on peoples emotions for the benefit of self is a horrible thing to do. We've all done it, but mostly we don't gain monetary profit from it. On a large scale, it's positively evil.

That about wraps it up for this rant, it's pointless, but I hope it was fun. Great to be back online everyone. Until next time,

crites evidentia logica.