The very model of evolution?
Skepticism frequently seems to be thrown to the winds when it comes to evolutionary theory. “Testing Darwin” [February] is a case in point. The value of a model is closely linked to how accurately it represents reality, but the computer model in the article is lauded for how accurately it represents the researchers’ concept of evolution, not how closely it represents living things. The article states, “After more than a decade of development, Avida’s digital organisms are now getting close to fulfilling the definition of biological life.” Before organisms
can reproduce, let alone become part of an evolutionary process, they must conduct metabolic activities. Yet philosopher and Avida team member Robert Pennock says of the program’s organisms: “Metabolism? Maybe not quite yet, but getting pretty close.” This approach is most likely due to the fact that it has been easier for philosophers to grasp biological evolution than basic chemistry. The problem is, you can’t have biology without chemistry. Models that virtually ignore the chemistry of life should be greeted with skepticism.
