From Fidel's link:
quote:
However, it should be noted that Tusi argued for evolution [b]within a firmly Islamic context[/b] — he did not, like Darwin, draw materialist conclusions from his theories. Moreover, unlike Darwin, he was arguing hypothetically: he did not attempt to provide empirical data for his theories.
While Tusi obviously made brilliant guesses, he could not - either because of his own anti-scientific religious beliefs, or because of external constraint - actually draw any scientific conclusions. He was restricted to arguing the number of angels on the head of a pin.
Thanks for this, Fidel. It's a perfect example of how even a potential scientific genius can be muzzled and straitjacketed by superstition.