The Intelligent-design? Report from the National History magazine is very informative on the aspects of disagreement between the proponents of intelligent-design and the proponents of evolution. All the authors have done a good job in presenting points to support their ideologies and points to discredit the rival ideology.
According to Michael Behe, the Darwinian natural selection theory does not account for the complexity that is present at molecular level. On the other hand, Behe claims that the intelligent-design theory accounts for the complexity that is present at cellular level. Behe explains using a mousetrap and a flagellum as examples, and defines irreducible complexity as phenomenon whereby a system stops working when one of its parts are eliminated. Williams Dembski’s presentation is the most complex; he believes that specified complex patterns are least likely to be present in patterns of unguided processes. Dembski concludes that simplified complexity can be found in living things, which means that there is some guidance in their structures, which is also a sign of intelligence. Jonathan Wells argues that Darwin’s icons of evolution namely the finches and the four-winged fruit fly do not account for all the features of living things. Wells also adds that pro-evolutionists reference to mutation as part of evolution is not complete, since mutation only affects chemical processes; evolution should also produce beneficial anatomical changes (National History Magazine).
Kenneth Miller argues that Behe does not give biochemical evidence for the existence of intelligent-design. Miller’s main message is that a change in a system does not necessarily make it dysfunctional but the functions of the system can change. Miller claims that the intelligent-design theory is philosophical and not scientific, and that is why he disapproves it. Robert Pennock insists on scientific evidence in proving the specified complexity theory, he also points out that intelligent-design’s reference to the second law of thermodynamics to discredit evolution does not apply to biological systems, and intelligent-design’s reference to a higher power or extraterrestrials cannot be proven by science. Pennock adds that Darwinian processes are currently in use to generate solutions to problems via computers. Eugenie Scott argues that Darwin opted for a scientific explanation, as opposed to the religious approach of the intelligent-design. Scott adds that Darwin’s theory does not have to account for all living things characteristics, since scientists are currently using natural selection to explain the characteristics of living things, and new discoveries are in progress that Darwin did not know about such as symbiosis, gene transfer, and many others. Scott also adds that hybridization can also contribute to new speciation. Scott put forth a strong argument on the existence of Ubx genes that are grouped under the HOX genes that give animals such as the fruit fly, mammals, and sponges the ability to switch on or off various mechanisms such as the production of wings, antennae, legs, and jaw formation (National History Magazine).
Lastly, Barbara Forrest’s argument takes a different direction, whereby she claims that the intelligent-design cause is politically motivated. Forrest states that the Center for the Renewal of Science and Culture (CRSC) was formed in 1996 by anti-evolutionist Phillip Johnson. Forrest adds that pro intelligent-design supporters like Dembski aim at spreading Johnson’s views with the intention of unifying Christians under a common belief of creation. Forrest also argues that pro intelligent-design supporters such as Behe seek to unify religion and science, with the aim of changing science to a theistic field that supports unverifiable religious aspects. Currently intelligent-design supporters are working hard towards the acceptance of the teaching of the intelligent-design theory in schools (National History Magazine).
Works Cited
National History Magazine. Intelligent-design?. The American Museum of Natural History. (2002). Text
