Have scientists created life from non-life? Is chemical evolution a plausible theory for the origin of the first life on earth? Welcome to the first in a series of four conversations between philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer and chemist ‪@DrJamesTour‬ on the many challenges faced by origin of life researchers.

In Episode 1, Meyer and Tour critique the work of origin of life researcher Steve Benner. Along the way, they discuss the basic definition of life, the RNA world hypothesis, the problem with hands-on chemistry, and why the challenges facing origin of life research increase every year as our understanding of the cell grows. “What is being simulated is the need for intelligent agency to move simple chemicals in a life-friendly direction,” says Meyer, and researchers “seem utterly blind to the role of their own hand, their own mind, in achieving the results that they get, such as they are.”

Dr. Tour, a world-leading synthetic organic chemist at Rice University, has recently been engaged in a series of back-and-forth responses to attacks on his work from YouTube science communicator Dave Farina. This has given Tour a new opportunity to critique experts in the field of abiogenesis and allows an interested public to better evaluate both sides of the argument.

Philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer hosts these engaging conversations. Meyer is author of the 2009 book Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design, which explores theories attempting to explain the origin of the first life. So Meyer is the perfect candidate to unpack Tour’s expertise and draw out key insights.

MORE RESOURCES:
Dr. James Tour's lecture at the 2019 Dallas Science & Faith Conference:
   • James Tour: The Mystery of the Origin...  

Dr. Tour's video series: Addressing Abiogenesis (Season 1):
   • Addressing Abiogenesis: Season 1  

Dr. Tour's video series continues: Addressing Abiogenesis (Season 2):
   • Addressing Abiogenesis: Season 02  

Video edited by Eric Herron, Philosopher Films.

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This is the official Youtube page of Dr. Stephen Meyer, director of Discovery Institute's Center for Science & Culture. Meyer received his Ph.D. in the philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge. His latest book is Return of the God Hypothesis: Three Scientific Discoveries that Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe (2021), see https://returnofthegodhypothesis.com/.

Praise for Return of the God Hypothesis:

"This book makes it clear that far from being an unscientific claim, intelligent design is valid science."
BRIAN JOSEPHSON, NOBEL LAUREATE IN PHYSICS; FELLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY; EMERITUS PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

Meyer is also the author of The New York Times best selling book Darwin's Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the case for Intelligent Design (HarperOne, 2013), and Signature In The Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design (2009). For more information about Dr. Meyer, his research, and his books visit https://stephencmeyer.org/.

"No one else in my experience can explicate such complex material with the grace and clarity that seem so effortless to Stephen Meyer. With cold logic and meticulous rational analysis of the latest discoveries in cosmology, physics, and biology, Meyer confirms a truth that the ideologues find too frightening even to consider. By the ad hominem nature of their attacks on his brilliant work, they confirm its importance and suggest an eventual end to the scientism that warps our culture."
DEAN KOONTZ, NEW YORK TIMES #1 BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

The CSC is the institutional hub for scientists, educators, and inquiring minds who think that nature supplies compelling evidence of intelligent design. The CSC supports research, sponsors educational programs, defends free speech, and produce articles, books, and multimedia content.

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-- http://www.intelligentdesign.org/

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