Probably the most basic way to evaluate the merits of a particular hypothesis is to determine how well it explains observable facts compared to competing theories. However, it seems to me that it is also valid to examine whether a given theory raises more, or more difficult, questions than it answers.
With this second idea in mind, 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, for that matter.
The first two questions that come to my mind along these lines are, why would any intelligence direct, tamper with or otherwise influence the course of life on this insignificant third rock from an ordinary star, and if it's so intelligent, why didn't it do a better job of it?
I guess this might go in Misc Topics, but to the extent that the discussion takes us in the direction of divining the motives of a supreme being, I can easily see there being substantial overlap into more faith related areas. And, I can also see that large portions of this discussion will be based more on reasoning and logic than evidence, so I would ask that the requirement of evidence to support positions be somewhat relaxed.
Those who would sacrifice an essential liberty for a temporary security will lose both, and deserve neither. -- Benjamin Franklin
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