As progress in science continues to reveal unimagined com- plexities, three highly regarded scientists revisit the difficult and compelling question of the origin of life in our universe. As mathematician, biochemist, and philosopher of science, they explore the possibility of developing a reliable method for detecting intelligent design, and they examine evidence for design in life and the universe. In the process, they present a strong case for opening and pursuing a fruitful exchange between science and theology.
Mathematician William Dembski, author of The Design Inference, first argues that new developments in the information sciences make intelligent design objectively and scientifically detectable-he identifies the signs of design. Next, philosopher of science, Stephen Meyer, and biochemist Michael Behe, author of Darwin's Black Box, argue that these signs are now clearly evident in both the architecture of the universe and the features of living systems. Other essays by the authors defend the scientific status of the theory of intelligent design and show how that theory supports traditional religious belief without necessarily "proving" the existence of God. Michael Behe also responds specifically to critics of his best selling book, Darwin's Black Box, thus bringing readers up-to-date on the sta- tus of the contemporary design argument in biology.
Michael J. Behe, author of Darwin's Black Box, received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and is Professor of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and a fellow of the Discovery Institute.
William A. Dembski, author of The Design Inference and Intelligent Design, holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Chicago, a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is director of the Michael Polanyi Center at Baylor University and is a fellow of Discovery Institute.
Stephen C. Meyer received his Ph.D. in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge for a dissertation on origin-of-life biology and the methodology of the historical sci- ences. He is currently Associate Professor of Philosophy at Whitworth College and the director of Discovery Institute's Center for the Renewal of Science and Culture.