Skip to content

Appearance Quote by Frank Turek

“Dawkins asserts that final causes and design don't really exist. Unguided evolution explains it all. Francis Crick thought the same thing but was afraid people would be misled by what they actually saw. So he issued this warning: "Biologists must constantly keep in mind that what they see was not…” quote by Frank Turek
Download Open image
“Dawkins asserts that final causes and design don't really exist. Unguided evolution explains it all. Francis Crick thought the same thing but was afraid people would be misled by what they actually saw. So he issued this warning: "Biologists must constantly keep in mind that what they see was not designed, but rather evolved." What? A warning to ignore the obvious? Absolutely. Because if we don't ignore the obvious, we might be tempted to follow common sense and attribute the "appearance" of design to actual design.”

Frank Turek

About This Quote

Source Book: The Case for a Creator, 2008

Design arguments are flawed; evolution explains complexity without intentional design.

In simple terms: Evolution explains complexity without a designer.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about design.

Themes

science philosophy skepticism

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

educational debate

When to use this quote

  • biology education
  • public policy debates
  • science communication

Key Concepts

evolutionary theory design fallacy critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we communicate evolution effectively?
  • What evidence best counters design arguments?
A Different Perspective

Complexity can sometimes suggest design to lay audiences.

4.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Frank Turek

Explore all 9 Frank Turek quotes

More Appearance quotes

Browse all 2,365 Appearance quotes