Computer simulates how evolution can create complex "organisims"
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I thought this video was absoultely fascinating...
After reading a bit of Richard Dawkin's "The Blind Watchmaker", I was amazed at how evolutionary "mechanics", for lack of a better tem, was put to use to solve some real-world engineering problems.
One such example Dawkins gave, was to imagine a periphery of points (say 16 or so). These could represent gas stations. In the center, is a main distribution point. The problem, is how to best solve how to get fuel from the center point to the 16 periphery points. The most obvious solution, is to draw 16 "spokes" to each station. However, this is not the best solution, as the amount of "pipe" needed is high, as well as the amount of back pressure created.
Through evolutionary principles, the computer simulation's solution to this problem was to create several larger branches originating from the hub (say 3) - those would branch off into a couple more smaller branches... and finally, those would branch off into a few more smaller, shorter branches. The result, looked amazingly similar to the blood vessels found in the large intestine, or the bronchioles of the lungs.
In a similar example, the above link shows how a computer simulation using evolutionary principles, was able to create a very accurate, fully functioning clock (several, actually), which was completely non-directed. This argument, that a watch "must" have a designer, is one of the largest staw-man arguments Creationists will throw out as "proof" of intelligent design. I think it's an amazing proof of concept... Please comment on what you think!!
-Ryan
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Link's bad.
Yes, this is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcAq9bmCeR0
"Anyone can repress a woman, but you need 'dictated' scriptures to feel you're really right in repressing her. In the same way, homophobes thrive everywhere. But you must feel you've got scripture on your side to come up with the tedious 'Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve' style arguments instead of just recognising that some people are different." - Douglas Murray
Sorry about the link - I'll try to fix it, that way people don't have to scroll down to find it... my bad!
Strange... for some reason I have no option to edit it... I can edit my previous reply though. It must be some time limit threshold?
EDIT:
Nope - it looks like you can only edit your last post. That's a bit weird...
Not a big deal, just have to get used to it. I think moderators are the only ones who can modify a post that isn't the most recent. On a debate site, that can be really important. You could spend 20 minutes writing a perfect response to something only to find it had been altered before you posted, which meant most or all of your work was for nothing.
Enlightened Atheist, Gaming God.
I think you can edit older posts, but not if it's the original post. You can't edit the original even the second after you posted it.
Matt Shizzle has been banned from the Rational Response Squad website. This event shall provide an atmosphere more conducive to social growth. - Majority of the mod team
Hmm, maybe you have to have a certain amount of points? All my previous posts just have a "reply" and "quote" option. This one will have "edit" until I post something after it...
No biggie, unless a moderator can't repair my crap link
You should, however, still be able to edit your original post without regard to its being quoted or replied to, but the edit option is a tab above the post. This blog/forum software is a bit odd.
"Anyone can repress a woman, but you need 'dictated' scriptures to feel you're really right in repressing her. In the same way, homophobes thrive everywhere. But you must feel you've got scripture on your side to come up with the tedious 'Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve' style arguments instead of just recognising that some people are different." - Douglas Murray
I see no edit option above the post either... Maybe its' because I'm using Firefox on a MAC?