Biology Quote by Donald L. Ewert
““Things that look like they were designed, probably were... If intelligence is an operative component of the universe, a science that methodologically excludes its existence will be susceptible to being trapped in an endless chase for materialistic causes that do not exist... Where there are sufficient grounds for inferring intelligent causation, based on evidence of "specified complexity," it should be considered as a component of scientific theories. Inclusion of intelligent causation in the scientific equation is not novel and has not impeded the practice of science in the past, e.g. Newton and Kepler, in an age when science was not constrained by a philosophical materialism, and by many current scientists who have remained open to following the evidence where it leads.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Intelligent Design, 2015
If intelligence exists in the universe, scientific methods that deny it may miss explanations, leading to endless materialistic searches.
In simple terms: Science should consider intelligent causes when evidence suggests them.
Key Takeaway
Allow intelligent causation as a hypothesis when justified.
Themes
science
philosophy
intelligent design
methodology
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
debate
When to use this quote
- research debates
- theoretical physics
- philosophical discussions
- policy making
Key Concepts
specified complexity
causation
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we test for intelligent causation?
- What criteria distinguish specified complexity from random patterns?
A Different Perspective
Excluding intelligent causation may conflict with empirical rigor and testability.
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