http://thinkingproblemmanagement.blogspot.com/2008/11/cradle-of-humankind.html

I think what I really mean is I don’t see how this rules out the idea of a changing system governed by superior intelligence/s to humans.

To put it another way, it doesn’t rule out such a being but it does render it entirely unnecessary and superfluous.

I think what I really mean is I don’t see how this rules out the idea of a changing system governed by superior intelligence/s to humans.

It doesn’t.

However, consider this. We know of natural processes that can explain the entirety of the diversity of life around us today. There is no evidence of teleology in the development of the modern biosphere. There is no evidence of the existence of any “superior intelligence”.

It is therefore reasonable to conclude that the processes that we have observed and that we understand have indeed shaped life into its present myriad forms.

In the absence of supporting evidence, it is illogical to assume the existence of some kind of “superior intelligence”. If one does assume the existence of a “superior intelliegence”, this raises more questions that it answers (the nature of these questions depending on the kind of motivations one assigns to the “superior intelligence”).

I’m not sold on the idea that this is proof of ‘evolution’ at work however. I see change, and growth and such, and can see the links between life and minerals pointed out here, and can see how this change can be attributed to evolution as it is understood in the current popular view. It really depends on what flavour of evolution you what to describe I guess. I think what I really mean is I don’t see how this rules out the idea of a changing system governed by superior intelligence/s to humans.

I guess you’ve never heard of the three “M”s? You know, Magmonsters, Meltimals and of course the terrifying Hell Manatees (Which are more properly referred to as Devil Dugongs).

I could imagine that the subsuming of plates, pushing upper-crust material down into the mantle, could result in life having an indirect effect on that layer.

After all, the geologic changes due to life are limited to a relatively thin layer of the Earth’s crust. It just so happens it’s the layer we live on top of. Still, I doubt that life has had much effect on the core or mantle, which make up the overwhelming bulk of the Earth.

Not being a geologist, like some here, apparently, the findings were novel to me too.

If I find somebody that can transmogrify tin to vanadium though- I’m totally into that.

N.B. Shockwave™ player required.”

That is AWESOME!

However, more than a Shockwave player is required. Also, a high-resolution screen format (and eye assistance, depending on age/condition) is required, in order to see it all properly. :\

‘ Frequently Bought Together
Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End . . . + Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing + The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
Total List Price: $57.85
Price For All Three: $38.83

* This item: Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End . . . by Ph.D., Philip Plait
* Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing “Hoax” by Philip C. Plait
* The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan ‘

Thought you’d get a kick out of your books being sold with the amazing Demon-Haunted World I know I would!

It’s kind of creepy to think that we’re the result of the grey (green) gooing of a planet. Even naturally occurring grey goo is creepy.

That’s exactly how I feel every time I see one of those fancy horseless carriages roll by.

Origin of Water on Earth

Gaia Hypothesis

History of Earth

Geologic Time Scale.

Geological History of Earth

Oxygen Catastrophe

It is a cool bit of science, though, either way…
Rich