[QUOTE]Originally posted by EdwardC:
With only one frame of reference to base our opinions, how can we quantitely assess that Homo Sapiens are so far more "advanced" than our fellow animals. We are animals as well and we are not particular unique in the ability to use language for communication nor tools for manipulating our environment. To an outside intelligence, we may infact be indistiguishable from our animal kin. A chimp in the wild may believe itself to be more advanced than a lemur without realizing that Homo Sapiens exist.
The argument toting our "advanced" abilities as a sign of divine influence may hold little water.
This is beginning to take on tones of "Allegory of the Cave" by Plato. I do agree that given a more macro and universal perspective, we are mere chromosones apart from certain species. Hence, at that level, we are probably akin to a different type of atomic element as compared to the rest of our fellow creatures on this planet (Dimitri Mendelev's is probably rolling in his grave now that I've *******ized his work and just referenced the Periodic Table of Animals!)
I would also put forth that scientific research conducted throughout the last couple of centuries has pretty much validated that homo sapiens is at the top of the food chain on this planet, as well as having the most advanced form of thought and communication. There is a world of difference between placing 25 ton support girdle on a bridge with a crane and having some monkey shove a stick down an ant hole and having Martha Stewart congratulate it on finally having the manners to start using dinnerware...
Though, as you've stated before science is an ever-changing discipline. One principle, proof or concept that has held true for centuries may not stand the test of time as our knowledge of the world around us progresses. We may not be at the top of the ladder, especially if the possibility of alien intelligence is brought into this picture. For me, it all depends on perspective. I've found out that if I broaden my out to as close to infinity as I can imagine, I begin to question my own existance (this is usually after a couple of glasses of 15-year old MacCallan)...
Faith is an unsure and dangerous thing, much as science is. When misguided or misuseded...well, we've all seen the results of each case.
BTW, great posts Edward. The "I, Robot" discussion was quite refreshing (it got me thinking in ways I usually don't). Bringing the notion of artificial intelligence into this really starts twisting and turning the notion of just precisely what consists of a Creator...
Finally, one last jab:
"Imagine the Creator as a stand up commedian - and at once the world becomes explicable."
-H. L. Mencken
