Languages and Genes: Can They be Built up through Random Change and Natural Selection?

摘要: He has also set eternity [world without end] in the hearts of men (Ecclesiastes 3:11; New International Version) Can natural selection operating on random arrangements material building blocks (i.e., subatomic particles, atoms, molecules, and larger collections structures matter), produce genomes all living things, human language capacity, world's 6000 plus languages? There are two polar views this question that widely held by practicing scientists. At one extreme there is neo-Darwinian claim chance aided can arrange dynamic information systems as they now. other end view a transcendent Intelligence not limited matter, space, time required. Here an argument presented from logico-mathematical proofs developed theoretical semiotics to show unequivocally known symbol seen languages cannot be produced any kind blocks. The general. It applies possible systems, though emphasis here o n genetic system evidently underlying organisms which manifested multitude languages. INTRODUCING CRUCIAL DISTINCTIONS refutes proposition built up particles (or objects, most logically general sense term "object") over period of, say, 15 20 billion years required theory. relevant demonstration hinges distinctness three kinds sign systems: icons, indices, symbols. already been shown, incidentally, various combinations these types (cf. Peirce, 1897). Hence, against constructive evolutionary processes, nor per se powerful mechanisms change risk. centers signs shows conventional aspects symbols, their critical defining trait, out icons or indices conceivable combination multitude. central demo nstration power proof - its turn grounded whole family related generated strictest form mathematical logic. To comprehend argument, it necessary understand foundational difference between essential apply fully mathematicized (stricly necessary) variety In next few paragraphs elements will introduced -- symbols along with basis for argument. important throughout entire presentation keep mind "object" "thing") always used mean thing, particle, grain, clump substance, gas, relation such things substances, relations degree complexity. This definition bears no weight but useful enable comprehension method reasoning. fact, definitions section be, have elsewhere strictly reasoning ( cf. published writings C. S. Peirce [1839-1914] Hartshorne & Weiss, 1931-35; see Burks, 1957-58; Fisch et al., 1982-present; Houser, 1986; Ketner, 1992; Nagel, 1959; more recently Oller, 1993, 1996a, 1996b; Oller Giardetti, 1999). Although do sustain comprehension; therefore, only discussed. …