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From: emigh@ecsvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.bio,net.origins,net.sci
Subject: Re: The missing step -- self-reproducing organisms
Message-ID: <3469@ecsvax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 13-Nov-84 10:07:25 EST
Article-I.D.: ecsvax.3469
Posted: Tue Nov 13 10:07:25 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 15-Nov-84 02:17:06 EST
References: gatech.10770
Lines: 16

<>
carter@gatech says:
> Indeed, it is an extremely complex thing.  However, the probability of
> complex living organisms evolving ( coming into existence ) is actually very
> high, say 1, since it has occured, for whatever reason.

In the same manner, let me toss a coin.  As you can see, it is 'heads'.
Does this mean that since heads has occurred the probability of
obtaining heads is 'actually high, say 1'?  An event occurring does not
alter the probability that it would have occurred--however it may
alter our perception (estimation) of the probability that it will occur.

--
Ted H. Emigh     Genetics and Statistics, North Carolina State U, Raleigh  NC
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