In Darwin's Black Box, Behe defines an IC system as:
"composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning"
And concludes that such systems preclude the possibility of evolution of complex structures.
If I look at an engineering example I don't see how the above holds:
A) Modern automobile engines are controlled exclusively by an engine management system, which controls the injection of fuel into the combustion chambers (cylinders) within the engine. If i remove the injectors, the engine management system (or even a small number of components from it) there is nothing that will make that engine run.
Interpretation: A) represents an IC system.
However, early automotive engines did NOT rely on any electronics or injectors. Fuel was pumped into the cylinders and the amount of air could be modified via the carburetter.
Along came electronic timing control ... which could be added and removed without removing engine function.
This was developed, over time, into an integral component.
Would ID simply say: 'Ah, but this change needed a designer!' ?
OR does the situation show that IC does not preclude step-wise change within a system leading to systems with such high integration of components that removal of one means it can no longer function?
I can talk about mouse-traps if you like.
Edited by Peter, : No reason given.
Edited by Peter, : Typos changed.
Edited by Admin, : Fix spelling in title.