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Originally posted by AmatuerSkyWatcher
Originally posted by PhoenixOD
I disagree on both counts. The semantics of the word theory is something that is argued about a lot. But as there isnt the slightest bit of evidence that anything doesn't come from an original source (ie all DNA in anything living fits nicely in the tree) then there is not much to debate. If you going to say "what if" you might just as well put God into the mix. But then the whole discussion of facts, figures and probability just becomes pointless.
On the second point you gave as DNA has only ever happened once as far as we can tell but the chemical to make it have been around for a very long time all the evidence would suggest that the process that set off that first lot of DNA is very special. If not there would be more examples of different variations on it right here on earth.
If there was anything that pointed to the contrary id be very happy.
Good debate by the way
edit on 27-9-2012 by PhoenixOD because: (no reason given)
"what if" is a very important question, that any scientist will tell you is the most important question, one can ask.
Lets talk about "facts, figures and probability". You are basing you whole argument on the 'fact' that the universe (discounting the multiverse theory) is finite. I have seen your arguments, both on a finite amount of stars and a finite amount of planets. Now discounting the mathematics, that in all probability the amount of stars and planets 'out there' means there is likely to be another extremely similar to Earth, the "facts, figures and probability" that you are regarding so highly say that in fact the universe is infinite. There is no beginning and no end. So what say you now?
The maths has been done, the universe is not spherical as first thought, but flat (in every direction-kind of weird but true). If you start at one point, and keep going in straight line, you will never come to your point of origin (unlike a sphere), even if you could live forever. So that puts paid to your argument of finite possibilities, does it not?
Originally posted by Zcustosmorum
Seriously though, when you look at that tiny piece of space and see the amount of potential there for life, I'll stake my rep on that we are not alone, there's just no way.
Originally posted by RiverRunsFree
There is no doubt the universe is teaming with life, the real question that needs to be answered is how intelligent this life is.
Originally posted by AmatuerSkyWatcher
reply to post by zerozero00
In fact, he/she can't even tell you what led to the formation of DNA except by claiming a 'special circumstance', even though there is no evidence of there ever being a 'special circumstance'.
Like I said before, all DNA is, is a series of chemical reactions (the sequence of which, we don't know, though I dare say that won't last forever). What is a chemical reaction? It is the transference, synthesis or decomposition of electrons, neutrons and/or protons of an atom to another, under a circumstance or set of circumstances.
So what set of circumstances did the Earth experience, that created chemical reactions, which then created DNA, that other planets in the universe didn't experience, that makes the Earth special? The evidence says "nothing".
Originally posted by PhoenixOD
If the process that set off DNA wasn't a special event then why don't we have evidence of more than one occurrence of it happening? If you cant show me its happened more than once then it is special and so far a unique event.
edit on 27-9-2012 by PhoenixOD because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by PhoenixOD
reply to post by AmatuerSkyWatcher
The creation of DNA is unique until proven otherwise.
Can you prove otherwise?
Originally posted by PhoenixOD
reply to post by AmatuerSkyWatcher
I dont have to give an example the fact that DNA has only been observed once is a fact. The onus is on you to prove otherwise if you have anything other than opinions.