In evolution, as in all areas of science, our knowledge is incomplete. But the entire success of the scientific enterprise has depended on an insistence that these gaps be filled by natural explanations, logically derived from confirmable evidence. Because "intelligent design" theories are based on supernatural explanations, they can have nothing to do with science.
Interpretation
Scientific knowledge is always a work in progress, requiring evidence-based explanations rather than supernatural beliefs.
In this quote, Bruce Alberts emphasizes that science relies on empirical evidence and logical reasoning to fill gaps in knowledge regarding evolution. He argues that the scientific enterprise fosters progress by adhering to a methodology grounded in natural explanations, and critiques 'intelligent design' theories for relying on supernatural explanations that do not align with scientific inquiry.
In practice
During a science symposium, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of evidence in scientific discussions.
Ideas which have been developed simultaneously or in immediate succession in the same mind mutually reproduce each other, and do this with greater ease in the direction of the original succession and with a certainty proportional to the frequency with which they were together
You know what they call alternative medicine that's been proved to work? - Medicine.
Of what use are the great number of petrifactions, of different species, shape and form which are dug up by naturalists? Perhaps the collection of such specimens is sheer vanity and inquisitiveness. I do not presume to say; but we find in our mountains the rarest animals, shells, mussels, and corals embalmed in stone, as it were, living specimens of which are now being sought in vain throughout Europe. These stones alone whisper in the midst of general silence.
It is a curious historical fact that modern quantum mechanics began with two quite different mathematical formulations: the differential equation of Schroedinger and the matrix algebra of Heisenberg. The two apparently dissimilar approaches were proved to be mathematically equivalent.
Language is only the instrument of science, and words are but the signs of ideas.
Evolution ... is opportunistic, hence unpredictable.
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