Creationism and Intelligent Design Glenn R. Sauer Fairfield University Biology Department

The Dover, PA School Board (2004) “ Because Darwin’s theory is a theory, it continues to be tested….” “ Because Darwin’s theory is a theory, it continues to be tested….” “The Theory is not a fact.” “The Theory is not a fact.” “Gaps in the theory exist for which there is no evidence….” “Gaps in the theory exist for which there is no evidence….” “Intelligent design is an explanation ….. that differs from Darwin’s view.” “Intelligent design is an explanation ….. that differs from Darwin’s view.” “…. students are encouraged to keep an open mind.” “…. students are encouraged to keep an open mind.”

Origins of Intelligent Design Ancient Greek Philosophy Ancient Greek Philosophy –Design in Nature William Paley – late 1700s William Paley – late 1700s –Watchmaker analogy American Creationism (1950s – 1980s) American Creationism (1950s – 1980s) –Young earth (he Genesis Flood ) –Young earth (The Genesis Flood ) –Day/age argument (W.J. Bryant) –Scientific Creationism

Intelligent Design Of Pandas and People – Davis and Kenyon (1989) – –Original title Biology and Creation Darwinism on Trial - Phillip Johnson (1991) William Dembski (mathematician) – –Probabilistic arguments - Darwin’s Black Box - Michael Behe (1996) – –Irreducible complexity

Irreducible Complexity - Darwin’s Black Box - Michael Behe (1996) – –“The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution” “If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed, which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down” – –Charles Darwin (1859) On the Origin of Species

Irreducible Complexity from “Darwin’s Black Box” – Michael Behe (1996)

Irreducible Complexity? - Blood Clotting Cascade

Genetic Analysis of Vertebrate Blood Clotting Genes Jiang Y, and Doolittle R F PNAS 2003;100:

Putative evolution of nine proteases involved in generation and destruction of fibrin clots by a small number of domainal exchanges. Jiang Y, and Doolittle R F PNAS 2003;100: ©2003 by National Academy of Sciences

Intelligent Design – Evidence? Highly selective criticism of evolution Highly selective criticism of evolution Mathematical “impossibility” of simultaneous random events occurring Mathematical “impossibility” of simultaneous random events occurring Irreducible complexity (Behe) Irreducible complexity (Behe) –A “God of the Gaps” approach  No testable hypotheses offered for ID  Pre-suppositions of advocates