PN&NP-A Call to Scientific Integrity
Over 3,000 copies in circulation. PN&NP deals with the empirical scientific (not philosophical and theological) aspects of nature. It describes the nature of probability, and then examines many widely accepted undirected natural scenarios, exploring their scientific validity, and whether design can be empirically detected.
Table of Contents 1 Chance: Possible, Probable, and Feasible – a reality-check for accepting impossible or infeasible outcomes as science, as opposed to some scientist’s speculation 2 Mass and Energy: Source and Fine-Tuning – a brief overview of origins speculation (all falling outside science as we know it), and empirical examination of the Universe’s fine-tuned nature 3 Life – basics of this extremely complex topic as backdrop for the rest of the book 4 The Origin of Life – problems with proposed abiogenesis scenarios are highlighted 5 The Information Contained in Life – Life’s information origin, modification, preservation, processing, and detection as well as capacity and content are covered, proving from known science that such information has zero probability of arising by undirected processes 6 Increasing Complexity of Life – Evolution of new morphology, irreducible complexity, the Cambrian explosion, the biological tree with increasing information, computer simulations, and genetic algorithms are covered 7 Going Where Data Lead – points out scientific limits, biases and misconceptions, particularly concerning design in nature 8 Why Intelligent Design? – the scientific benefits of ID as the best-so-far explanation of the observations Appendices -- to provide additional information A: Math Basics – Exponents, Logarithms, and Probability B: Origin of Mass and Energy Scenarios C: Technical Shannon and Functional Information Details D: Scientific Falsification and Specific Null Hypotheses References – about 350 from multiple disciplines, including 52 from 2010 Too often "possible" is used by scientists without considering that possible" has a scientific definition within the nature of probability. For example, one should not be able to get away with stating "it is possible that life arose from non-life by ..." or "it’s possible that a different form of life exists elsewhere in the Universe" without first demonstrating that it is indeed possible (non-zero probability) using known science. One could, of course, state "it may be speculated that ... ," but such a statement wouldn’t have the believability that its author intends to convey by the pseudo-scientific pronouncement. This book uses known science (including Shannon, Functional, and Prescriptive information principles) to prove that it is impossible (zero probability) for life’s complex information system to have an undirected natural source. The usefulness of the design model for furthering scientific inquiry is also analyzed. One chapter is devoted to exposing fallacies, presuppositions, and beliefs that attempt to prevent acceptance of nature's design as "science." Discovery Institute Review Interview: part1 part2 Cell as Computer System ID Report Review Amazon "Impossible" Discussion Main Amazon Link ISBN: 1439228620 Example excerpts In each cell (humans have about 300 trillion) "there are multiple operating systems, multiple programming languages, encoding/decoding hardware and software, specialized communications systems, error detection and correction mechanisms, specialized input/output channels for organelle control and feedback, and a variety of specialized 'devices' to accomplish the tasks of life... The challenge for an undirected origin of such a cybernetic complex interacting computer system is the need to demonstrate that the rules, laws, and theories that govern electronic computing systems and information don’t apply to the even more complex digital information systems that are in living organisms. Laws of chemistry and physics, which follow exact statistical, thermodynamic, and spacial laws, are totally inadequate for generating complex functional information or those systems that process that information using prescriptive algorithmic information." (p. 47) "Those who insist on purely physical causes of life are thus in an untenable position when it comes to known science. Not only can they not prove that it’s possible (non-zero probability) for life to come about by the physical interactions of nature, but the information content of life precludes that possibility." (p. 48) "There are three topics that should not be included in science unless/until sufficient facts from known science demonstrate feasible scenarios: the origin of the mass and energy of the Universe, the origin of life, and the origin of species. To pretend that a 'scientific-sounding' scenario is actually science in these areas does a disservice to both science and the public, and diminishes the reputation of all science by anyone examining the evidence." (p. 86) "In the absolute sense, one cannot rule out design of anything since a designer could design something to appear as if it weren’t designed. For example, one may not be able to prove an ordinary-looking rock hadn’t been designed to look as if it were the result of natural processes. The 'necessity of design,' however, is falsifiable. To do so, merely prove that known natural processes can be demonstrated (as opposed to merely speculated from unknown science) to produce: the fine-tuning empirically detectable in the Universe, life from non-life (including the information and its processing systems), the vast diversity of morphology suddenly appearing in the Cambrian era, and the increasing complexity moving up the tree of life (with the accompanying information increase and irreducibly complex systems). If those can be demonstrated with known science, the 'necessity of design' will have been falsified in line with using Occam’s Razor principles for determining the most reasonable scenarios. If the 'necessity of design' is falsified, some may continue to BELIEVE in design, but ID would no longer be appropriate as science." (p. 92) "It should be noted that all science is tentative, so new findings may require modification of the above conclusion which is based on today’s known science. At this point, one cannot say 'it’s possible new findings may cause rejection of ID,' since that would assume such findings are possible (non-zero probability), which has not been proven by known science. Those disagreeing with this conclusion are invited to show from known science that it is incorrect. If that demonstration cannot be made, one must realize that continued rejection of ID is based on philosophy, not science." (p. 94) Scientists'/Engineers' Testimonials About Probability's Nature and Nature's Probability "I could find nothing wrong in your logic or in the way that the biological data were presented. I think the book should be a must read for any course on evolutionary biology." Dr. Richard C. Vogt, Evolutionary Biologist and author of multiple books on reptiles "It has been claimed that Darwin's theory broke down the enormous improbability of the occurrence of life into smaller, bite-sized chunks of improbability that could be overcome by natural selection. But what is probability? How improbable is nature? And what is a small enough improbability to overcome? In this fascinating and enlightening book Donald Johnson, an expert in Information Sciences, addresses these questions and much more." Michael Behe, Biochemistry Professor and author of numerous books on ID (best known for "irreducible complexity") "An eye opening scientific unveiling of the truth that has not been told. The evidence presented in this book is so compelling and irrefutable that one must ask ‘Why Not ID?’. Why wasn’t I taught any of this in college or medical school during my 13 years of higher education? The molecular mechanisms of DNA & the human body raise a high degree of suspicion upon the true motives for modern evolutionary theory." Greg E. Viehman, MD "Don Johnson has given us a supremely well-referenced introduction to a broad range of the scientific arguments for intelligent design. If you're a novice to science and math, but want to understand how those disciplines contribute to the argument for design, this book is a great place to start." Casey Luskin, Discovery Institute "This book by Dr. Johnson provides a good overview of the current state of ID Theory. It contains references to cutting-edge ID research into bio-functionality and a very enjoyable discussion about one particularly fascinating design isomorph, the trilobite prosthetic eye. The book is readable and has excellent introductory and closing chapters on the philosophical/psycological resistance to design inferences. These should be required reading for anyone within the debate. Especially enjoyable is a discussion centered around the use of 'possible' in scientific papers, before non-zero possibility has ever been demonstrated. This section was a unique insight on his part and should add to the depth of the discussion." Atom M., Chief Programmer for the Evolutionary Informatics Lab "This book is a thoughtful and balanced exposition of the scientific and statistical arguments that should be considered when discussing the case for intelligent design." Dr. Earl Blodgett, Professor of Physics and Astronomy "I just hope that people read your book without having you already put in a box when they start reading. You ask important questions that in the evolutionary framework are difficult to answer and in my view have not been answered yet in a satisfactorily manner." Dr. Jurgen Ziesmann, Professor of Biology "It looked great and turned out to be BRILLIANT. This book addresses issues of "liklihood," "probability" and "feasibility" for specific events about origin of life and complexity which are touchstones in the evolution debate between atheistic scientists and scientists who entertain intelligent design. The content is clearly stated, falsifiable and documented as true science should be. It remains to be seen whether arguments will come back "ad hominem" or whether the content can really be criticised reasonably by Evolution believers. If I had to thin my evolution books, this is one I would hang on to." Jay Reimer "Dr. Donald Johnson's Probability's Nature and Nature's Probability is appropriately subtitled "A Call to Scientific Integrity". Using his expertise in Chemistry and Computer Science he interweaves the natural sciences with the mathematical sciences in a discussion of scientific reality that continues to be debated between evolution theory and intelligent design (ID). He describes what can be known probabilistically against what can be known for certain. Dr. Johnson's call for scientific integrity demonstrates some of the problems that currently face our culture in its understanding of science and the scientific method. I recommend this book to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the contemporary debate between ID and evolution." Dr. Lyle Reibling, Professor of Computer Science "Dr. Johnson's book gives you a good perspective of the various scientific analysis/theories of creation and a good understanding of what "Intelligent Design" means. The subtitle "A Call to Scientific Integrity" accurately sums it up, "Integrity" being the key word here. If these scientific theories were held to the same accountability a Judge or Lawyer uses to examine a case, many would be tossed out for lack of sufficient evidence. Darwin's Theory of Evolution is a good example of a scientific explanation for something science can't prove because it lacks supporting evidence....This book will challenge you but hopefully you will come away better informed about the complexities in creating life." Tad Burland "This book is an excellent unbiased overview of scientific facts and recent research that confirm: 1) the existence of an ultimate intelligence behind the universe (macrocosm and microcosm), and 2) order and design. Any lay reader or scientist who is objective and honest will not dismiss this information. One problem: In the first edition, the language is too technical and detracts from the tremedous impact of the message. I recently purchased the revised edition written in lay person's language." E. Douglass Brown, Ph.D. "I teach high school biology, including "evolution" ... This book by Johnson responds to Darwinism (ie. neoDarwinian Evolution theory) with a scientific critique. Johnson leans heavily on information theories and probability to quantitatively refute Darwinian evolution. He does not replay the math (much) but rather selects the conclusions of a range of authors to show what conclusions the laborious evidence demonstrates. He starts the book with a clear address of: "probable," "possible" and "feasible" (as well as infeasible). He clearly uproots the seed which is candy coated or invisibly given and swallowed in so much evolution writing of "possible." ...The author addresses issues of belief, logically demonstrating that the a priori commitment to naturalistic explanation is as unscientific as a commitment to an "intelligent" cause and successfully argues further that (1) atheism is as much religion as theism and should not be an accepted bias and (2) we should use the evidence we gather to pave the road we travel rather than select a road based on initial commitment and collect agreeing evidence while discarding disagreeing evidence. If you are committed to evolution theory you will dislike this book, but the content will remain valid based on the methods used to produce it. If you feel uncomfortable with evolution theory but feel awash in the sea of claims and counter claims, then read this book for some much needed, scientific clarity." J, Reimer "As an elder and an engineer, I'd always thought I had a pretty good balance between science and religion. I had't noticed over the years, how a strong diet of PBS and Science Channel specials had shifted many of my fundamental beliefs in God, and the nature of creation. I found myself questioning everything, and was becoming quite fatalistic in my 60's. This book changed all that. Over the course of two days my brain experienced a major reality check. As "common thought" and scietific assumptions failed the tests of statistical possibility, the inevitability of an intelligent source to all life began to emerge anew in my reasoning. Certain facts of science should not be explained by religion. But when scientists attempt to explain certain realities of faith through faulty application of methods and reasoning, and then clings to these tenets in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, they just end up looking silly. This is what I came away with from my two day journey. The book was extremely detailed and yet very readable. I give it an A+. It may have been the most significant book I've read in 10 years." Mark A. Capuano "This book draws attention to several problems with the reigning (materialist) view of how life began. Dr. Johnson focuses a lot on probability issues and the source of information. The book is easy to read and offers a large number of thoughts worth ruminating about... I urge everyone to get a copy and watch for the other book he is coming out with." Dr. Royal Truman Non-Scientists' Testimonials About Probability's Nature and Nature's Probability "Your PNNP now joins my list of 'the 20 Best Must Read Life Changing Books of all Time' ... Your book should be in the hands of every student in the USA beginning with the 11th grade in high school, maybe sooner." B. Rex Stephens "Among the 19 books I have collected on the subject of evolution theory, one of the newest has impressed me as a significant advance in quantifying the argument against Darwinian theory. The book is Probability's Nature and Nature's Probability -- A Call to Scientific Integrity... Using probability theory and information theory, Johnson makes a compelling case against the Darwinian theory of random mutations and natural selection. He provides his own calculations of the odds of various biological changes occurring by chance, and he includes numerous citations and quotations from the work of other scientists. The references and quotations add further credence to his case....I found his analysis and presentation of findings very understandable and persuasive. Johnson also applies information theory to analyze the origin of life, which must have involved the creation of new information---the first DNA sequence. His conclusion is that new information cannot be derived from random variations in chemical processes. Input from an intelligent source, one that can create information, is required.... Johnson focuses entirely on the scientific aspects of the origin and evolution of life forms. He makes no claims for supernatural designer or other form of religious entity or belief." Cecil Phillips "I thought Dr. Johnson's book was excellent. For such a small book, it was just packed with all kinds of facts and figures that can be used in debates and PowerPoint presentations. His chapter 6 on Information was my favorite. He has a knack of being able to explain technical things very well, at least well enough where an interested high school student could understand your arguments." John Chaikowsky, Jr. "Dr Johnson brings a fresh dose of truth to a contentious subject! Too many people have been silenced by the vocal critics, who argue that to acknowledge a 'designer' means that you have rejected science. Dr Johnson examines the intricacies of life, applies sound logic and analysis, and demonstrates that life as we know it could not have simply sprung up from non-life. This book may challenge your intellect, but I believe it will will also challenge your pre-held presumptions about the theory we call evolution!" Clay Ritter "This book is fascinating even for a non-scientist like myself. My undergraduate degree is in art, yet my general courses in math and science have equipped me to follow the concepts in this book. Each concept is very clearly presented, thanks to meticulously explained introductions. Especially intriguing to me were the discussions about random data vs. information. The detailed examples of microbiology have intensified my appreciation for the complexity and beauty of this world." J. Nilo "This is a great book for scientists with a background in probability who want to understand why there is a controversy over design in the universe." Denyse O'Leary "A uniquely excellent discussion of the calculable probabilities of Evolution and Intelligent Design. Hopefully, the author's upfront tutorial on numbers and measurements doesn't scare off the reader. Actually, Johnson gives lots of examples of the applications of numbers with big positive and negative exponents and associated probabilities terms. Once through that, which is interesting in itself, he goes to his discussion of the big question, How could life have began and evolved, any time, any where? He discusses both Darwinian Evolution (especially macroevolution) and Intelligent Design, which anyone should find fascinating. In his discussion, he disclaims God as the intended end game of ID. Johnson is educated, experienced, and credentialed to credibly present his discussion." M. Hockett "This is a probabilistic refutation of Neo-Darwinism on informational and mathematical grounds. It is full of interesting quotes. .... An evolutionist can say 'appearance of design' dismissively only so often without having to try to quantify 'possible' and 'given enough time' etc. An evolutionist can invoke comets, panspermia, anything but intelligence, and not be ostracized. Yet intelligence is our only empirically tested source of true (as opposed to Shannon) information. Useful also for bibliography." Garry Barker "Informative... Great book to add to your collection if your study is concerned with the Origin of Life." John Gagliardi "Bravo! What a great book. As a mere science groupie, some of the math was more than I could cope with without further study. But that never diluted the impact of the points... this was wonderful. I didn't want it to end." Bruce Phillips "A modicum of common sense at last! ... This is not just another shot in the war between the supporters of evolution theory and Intelligent Design. The new element is that the sheer impossibility of evolution of life through undirected, spontaneous processes is shown clearly through numbers. The other new element is that the author points out the hollowness of the claim that 'evolution theory' is science, in view of the absurd probability (or, rather, improbability) numbers and that he calls for plain honesty in science rather than a stubborn insistence on naturalistic explanations." Matyas Mero "This is a short book at only 111 pages but it packs a wallop. In the first chapter Johnson explains the law of probability. Everyone seems to understand the odds of themselves winning the lottery, but how many know the odds of why they exist? This book gives you the numbers and how we arrived at those numbers. What you do with them is up to you, but it's maybe science's obligation to run with them perhaps to include new sphere's. This book is an informative, educational, scientific look at the likelihood of explaining why there is something rather than nothing, strictly going with random chance. The numbers get daunting for anyone thinking Darwinian evolution settles all issues of origins on life and universe. Johnson is clearly not pushing any one's God out on to center stage. In fact he makes clear Biblical creationism needs to be filtered through the same sizing screens of probability. That's why I feel confident any 'cry foul' flags from colleagues and reviewers only come in the wake of a philosophical rejection of Intelligent Design. ... This book thinks forward, very well written and informative. He's writes with the heart of an enthusiastic scientist. I learned something useful on almost every page." Shawna Lynne..." "Very interesting little easy read book. It presents facts, not conjecture. A good beginner's book in intelligent design." M. S. Adams "I am a public school teacher in Texas. I could not put down Dr. Johnson's book. I found the book to be very insightful and interesting, as well as illuminating in many factual areas. The perspective he creates is compelling! I highly recommend this book." JFK First printing (before 6/24/09) clarifications, additions, and corrections: Clarifications In second printing, change the last "DNA" on page 52 to "RNA." The Oct, 2010, update became available 11/2/10 to expand information, including much of Programming of Life. |
PN&NP– Lite: A Sequel for the Non-Scientist and a Clarion Call to Scientific Integrity
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