Stupid vs. Clever (2)

Let's hear it for December!! One final headlong crash into 2018.

I would like to say here right at the beginning that this is possibly the last article of the year 2017. I might post during Christmas break but who knows...holiday seasons are the most crowded. I might post a holiday fun thingy that doesn't do too much deep thinking for fun, but anyways...time for Stupid vs. Clever (2)! *intro music* *lucasfilm*. Sorry, but Star Wars fever has sprung. Okieee.

On Tuesday, I used pieces of paper to talk about how we can detect design and part of our intuition is recognizing design. I explained that we even have this trait because God made us in His image, and he made us to be creators. This only makes sense, since God made everything, that something made in his image would also create.

Creations must be created.

Since this has the chance of being the last article of the year, I decided to do something new and fun. I encourage you to do this during break if you want to.

Crumpled paper and origami cranes are all cool and simple, but how about something a little more tangible? Yes, yes, paper is "tangible" but how about...*Head scratch*

I have created a super profound, amazing, mind blowing, Need-a-Ph.D experiment. What is it about? Well, it is a simple demonstration that unguided processes simply cannot do the work of something clever...stupid vs. clever. (I'm amazed and simply admire the art of sarcasm...and alliteration).

Experiment

Supplies:

1. Any LEGO set (preferably not super massive).
2. Instruction pamphlet.
3. Clear, space (counter, table, solid floor, preferably not carpet).
4. Blindfold (or simple honesty).
5. Yourself (or a friend to laugh at).
6. Optional: camera, or device that can take pictures.

Procedure:

1. Prepare a clear open space.
2. Using the LEGO set and instruction pamphlet, construct the set as directed.
3. Snap a quick photo or just admire your work.
4. Take apart the construction to completion (don't leave pieces connected).
5. Burn your instructions (just kidding, but the point is to not have any guidance).
6. Blindfold yourself, or just be honest and close your eyes.
7. Use the pieces and randomly construct whatever the heck fate allows.
8. Snap another photo (or just cringe at your "creation).
9. Take apart the...thing you built.
10. Blindfold yourself again.
11. This time, use the pieces and purposefully attempt to build what it is supposed to be.
12. Snap a photo.
13. Observe results.

Was that fun? Well…. Probably until you had to build it blindfolded with the intention of trying to achieve the end goal.

Here is what I want to illustrate:

Pretend that the first time you built the set (without blindfold and instructions) represents God creating the world, and everything in it.
Pretend that the second time you built the set (with blindfold and without purpose) represents Darwinian evolution...randomness...purposeless...no end goal in sight.
Pretend that the third time you built the set (with blindfold but with purpose) represents the idea that God used evolution to create the world.
Pretend that the set itself is you.
Pretend the instruction manual is "guided processes."
Pretend that the blindfold represented "blind, unguided processes."
Pretend that you are the driving force of each process.

Now let's take a step back and think on this.

You didn't just appear. You were created. But how?

Well, if you completed the experiment, I think you can easily say without a doubt, that the best explanation and only plausible way you (LEGO) would have been created was when you had a guided process (instructions) and an end goal in mind...you (LEGO).

Nobody in their right mind could agree with this statement, however:

"The best explanation for my existence (LEGO) is that a blind, unguided process (being blindfolded) and having no end goal or purpose (randomly constructing in the second build)."

Clearly, I just pointed out the simple absurdity of Darwinian evolution. As you can see, your intuition is enough. You don't need to go knee-deep in studies to be able to see this.

But why would I have the third build in the experiment? What could this be signifying?

There is a theory that God exists, but he used evolution to create the world...a kind of deistic god. If you believed this, then you would say something like this:

"The best explanation for my existence (LEGO) is that there is a God (you, the blindfolded builder), but he used a blind, unguided process (blindfolded) to try to achieve something with purpose (you, struggling to build the set blindfolded with the purpose of doing it correctly)."

The simplicity of this analogy/experiment goes to show you that your intuition is right all along. Yes, you're internal thoughts that there must be a reason for life other than unguided processes were correct.

Now...in case you were wondering..... I actually performed this experiment and would like to show you a couple clips and pictures.

Disassembled set

Build 1 (with instructions and no blindfold)

Disassembled again...

 

Build 2 (no instructions, unguided)

 

More torture for LEGO pros

AAAND more

 

(note: I really tried, but by golly, I rage quitted trying to do the third build...hence no photos)

I really hope you enjoyed this final hurrah for 2017.

I will be back in January of 2018 and start up a new series (I'm super excited for) called "Textbook Tales." Have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends, and a happy New Year!

~Caleb