Topic: philosophy
Obviously, y'all have not kept up with StarTrek-class science. It is common knowledge that the warp drive can break through any space-time barriers, given a stressful enough scenario (and corny enough scripting), with Scotty in the engine room and a handy supply of fresh dilithium crystals.
We don't know the limits of technology. It may be that we can eventually accomplish anything we are capable of dreaming.
In application to evolution, it is evident that self-directed forces in the hands of humans at least have the potential to abruptly transcend any such gentle force of nature, however implacable. We are at the edge of a huge unknown chasm, ready to take the leap. We now have or are quickly developing the ability to manipulate all the forces that, given naturalistic science assumptions, would normally drive the evolution process. All the rules about evolution are changed, subject to our discretion.
Any diabetic who uses insulin can tell you about the practical implications of this point.
As with every such cusp in decision-making, the real question for evolution does not necessarily have a good rational answer.
Where do we want to go next?
(...segue into ST theme music...)
Posted by jcobabe
at 10:40 AM MDT
