Evaluation of 'Intelligent Design'
Instead of writing a summary based on a scientific study, you may choose to write about 'Intelligent Design'. Intelligent Design suggests that some biological systems are so complex (irreducible complexity) that they can only be explained by the actions of an intelligent designer. Many biologists consider the idea (or movement) of Intelligent Design as simply a new version of Creationism.
Natural History (journal) devoted space to discuss both sides of Intelligent Design in its April 2002 issue. This section includes an introductory page, three pairs of articles (pro and con) and a final summary paper. These papers are available in the library or you can find them on the internet. Use the links below. You may read these articles and write about them instead of your first summary paper (due February 18).
Assignment
If you choose to write on this topic, read the entire section (8 short
papers, for a total of 8 pages). Choose one pair of papers (pro &
con)
as your primary focus, but also refer to the introductory and summary
papers.
Use the introductory and summary papers to introduce your subject and
provide
supporting evidence/viewpoints. Your main goal is to critique the pair
of pro & con papers you choose and evaluate the claim of
intelligent
design.
Clearly describe the idea of intelligent design as presented; compare and contrast this idea to the theory of evolution by natural selection. Critique both ideas based on the available information and from what you have learned about evolution this semester. Importantly, evaluate the claims of intelligent design based on scientific evidence (observable phenonena). Does the evidence available support intelligent design or not? Support your conclusion with scienitific evidence. You may also choose to refer to other types of 'knowing' if you wish, but you need to indicate clearly what is scientific evidence vs. other types of 'evidence'.
In your paper be sure to indicate the source of each idea and piece of evidence. For example:
"Behe (2002) suggested that some biological features are 'irreducibly complex', and postulated these features must have been designed by some intelligent being."
Provide the complete reference for each paper cited (at least four:
introduction, pro & con, and summary). Type, double space etc. as
for
other written work. Suggested length: 2 pages.
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