subbie writes:
I'd be interested in an exploration of the corollary issues raised as a consequence of an intelligent designer playing some role in the development of life. I don't necessarily wish to limit this discussion to the Intelligent Designer (god) that the creos believe in, but it can include the red herring idea that they've tossed out of an alien intelligence, or any other type of designer that anyone else would find of interest
Intelligent design proponents believe that we can use our knowledge of how human beings carry out intelligent design, to infer the existence of similarly intelligent design in nature.
I did some research into contemporary
intelligent design theory in order to generate some hypotheses:
IKEA writes:
It's not easy combining good design and good function with the right quality, at an affordable price. But then we aren't known for taking the easy way out. Designing a desk that costs a fortune is easy. But designing something that's affordable to many ” only the truly talented designer and product developer can do that.
Luckily for us, those people work with our designs. By working together with skilled manufacturers, they find ways to get the most out of a raw material. They know how to produce furniture at a low cost, and still keep the original design idea.
They're helping to create the unique IKEA range. We call it a clever range, because it focuses on what's important. We don't do what's unnecessary, because that costs money. And our customers don't want to waste money. They want smart solutions to meet needs they have. The IKEA range is the result of our efforts to meet those needs. It isn't easy. Maybe that's why so few are doing it.
...
The IKEA product range is wide in several ways. First, it's wide in function. Because you shouldn't have to run from one small specialty shop to another to furnish your home. Here, you'll find plants, living room furnishings, toys, frying pans and whole kitchens. Everything that in a functional way helps to build a home is at IKEA.
...
And finally, by being coordinated, the range is wide in function and style at the same time, and at all times. No matter which style you prefer, there's the latest armchair that goes with the classic bookcase that goes with the new extending table that goes with last year's armchair. So our range continues to be wide in a variety of ways. Year after year after year.
I'm assuming that my source is a good example of how empirical observations of intelligent design work in practice. If the natural world is also intelligently designed, we can use our newfound knowledge to make specific predictions such as:
a) all species should be affordable;
b) all species should have been created by skilled manufacturers working closely with the designers;
c) all species should conveniently found in a single location, along with the kitchens and bookcases
c) all species should be color-coordinated
d) all species arrive flat-packed and are assembled with a complimentary allen key
Mick
Edited by mick, : No reason given.
Edited by mick, : added subbie's quote at the beginning
Edited by mick, : I've got to start using that preview button...
Edited by mick, : couldn't resist addng the final hypothesis
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