Have we reached a stage of "Conscious Evolution?" - Page 2

Phil153 · #11 10-12-2006, 02:13 AM

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From a population genetics point of view, the healthiest population is the one with the least selection operating.

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In the short term, maybe. In the long term, no.

FortunaMaximus · #12 10-12-2006, 02:18 AM

One species. Continual growth. Are we speeding up the changes or are they just a natural step for us? No matter the pace or method... Change is constant. Just a continued flux with increased infomass.

God? Is it necessary for it to be self-aware? Maybe it is just the medium. How much more complex can life get? Rest is just cosmetic tinkering. Even disease and death are evolutionary mechanisms.

madnak · #13 10-12-2006, 08:13 AM

Evolution isn't about "betterment" or "improvement." That's a fact, Jack. If you think humans are better than other species, are an improvement, that's fine. But evolution, the process by which we arrived, doesn't much care. "Inferior," "superior," evoluation is just about adaptation.

madnak · #14 10-12-2006, 08:16 AM

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It's not evolution anymore. There is no meaningful natural selection.

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All selection is natural. And there's always selective pressure.

Darryl_P · #15 10-12-2006, 08:45 AM

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Conversely, Harvard grads marry Yale grads and their children will mary Princeton grads, etc.

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But they can't "afford" more than one or two, because otherwise they'll have no time for golf.

Rduke55 · #16 10-12-2006, 10:16 AM

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Thankfully, intelligence seems to be selected for in the current environment

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I'm not sure this is true. Lots of studies are around suggesting intelligent people have less children.

(I thought we talked about this in another thread but I could be mistaken)

madnak · #17 10-12-2006, 02:08 PM

Fewer children, but they're more successful (economically, etc).

Rduke55 · #18 10-12-2006, 02:19 PM

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Fewer children, but they're more successful (economically, etc).

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But we're talking about selection so it needs to be based on reproductive success.

madnak · #19 10-12-2006, 02:31 PM

But two viable offspring beats eight nonviable offspring.

Rduke55 · #20 10-12-2006, 02:35 PM

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But two viable offspring beats eight nonviable offspring.

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I certainly agree, but they take that into account and are talking across generations. The few smart kids of smart parents are having fewer smart babies.