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- Title
On Random Numbers and Design.
- Authors
Ben-Ari, Morechai
- Abstract
The term random is frequently used in discussion of the theory of evolution, even though the mathematical concept of randomness is problematic and of little relevance in the theory. Therefore, since the core concept of the theory of evolution is the non-random process of natural selection, the term random should not be used in teaching the theory. Furthermore, biologists have developed computer programs to simulate evolution that are ostensibly based upon randomness, yet they do not disclose that these programs use deterministic random number generators. Thus another argument against the use of the term random in teaching evolution is that this determinism is liable to be invoked by creationists.
- Subjects
EVOLUTIONARY theories; RANDOM numbers; NATURAL selection; COMPUTER software; MATHEMATICS; TEACHING
- Publication
Science & Education, 2004, Vol 13, Issue 3, p235
- ISSN
0926-7220
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1023/B:SCED.0000025576.56763.fe