| Are you aware of the writings of Ernst Mayr[1]? In his book 'Toward a New Philosophy of Biology" there is a chapter on this very topic - how teleonomy has pervaded almost all of Biological science and how teleological statements, which are just plain incorrect, are the major way in which Biological processes are explained. I think this has only increased in severity and effect as we have consolidated our systems level view of the world and I've often been in awe of the general ignorance toward fundamental principals such as this. My own personal take on the situation? I think it is a very dangerous and ignorant thing for our species to continue with it's genetic hegemony of our ecosystems, creating vast evolutionary plateaus where the slightest advantage can run amok and adapt into something that could wipe out entire species. There is _probably_ enough genetic diversity in humans to avoid this, but I doubt so amongst our crops and livestock. But I share your optimism/pragmatism in that I feel our human ingenuity will overcome, and if so then the prizes are great indeed. From new drug delivery systems and entirely new ways of treating illnesses, to a more mature approach to our interactions with the biological inheritance we have here on Earth 1.0 - I would like to see our crops and livestock diversified, farming practices overhauled to focus on the long term and most importantly more serious study devoted to analysing and utilising the solutions evolution has put in front of us for the taking. Not only are these things (IMHO) essential to the prolonged survival of our species, they are also achievable. The organic farming movement took only a generation to go from grass roots to industry standard (and I know there is all sorts of controversy surrounding it but the point is that the industry IS open to disruption), here in the UK there is a debate simmering under the surface of the popular media that could end in more wild deer providing venison for the pot, Canadian geese too, and everyone knows of the whole insect protein debate, and the practical applications of bio-tech and nano-tech are only getting more interesting as the fields begin to find their feet. [1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Mayr] |