Why Do Evolutionary Scientists Dismiss Behe's Ideas on Intelligent Design?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dismissal of Michael Behe's ideas on Intelligent Design by evolutionary scientists, particularly in the context of a book review of Behe's "The Edge of Evolution" by Richard Dawkins. The conversation touches on themes of scientific credibility, the reception of Behe's arguments, and the broader implications for the Intelligent Design movement.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express strong support for Richard Dawkins' critique of Behe, suggesting that Behe's arguments are fundamentally flawed and indicative of a retreat from legitimate scientific discourse.
  • There are claims that Behe's writing, while well-crafted, may obscure the simplicity and contradictions in his arguments, leading readers to overlook critical analysis.
  • Participants note the public disavowal of Behe by his own department at Lehigh University, raising questions about the implications for academic integrity and the perception of Intelligent Design within the scientific community.
  • References are made to the Dover trial, with some participants highlighting the significance of Behe's testimony and the subsequent judicial response as pivotal moments in the debate over Intelligent Design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the critical stance towards Behe's ideas and the effectiveness of Dawkins' rebuttal. However, the discussion reflects a range of opinions on the implications of Behe's work and the future of the Intelligent Design movement, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal opinions on the quality of Behe's arguments and the impact of his work on the scientific community, but these are subjective and not universally accepted. The discussion also references specific events and responses that may not be fully detailed in the posts.

Moridin
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This Sundays book review is on the newest book by ID proponent Michael Behe called "The Edge of Evolution" and is reviewed by Oxford evolutionary zoologist Richard Dawkins.

Inferior Design

The second is the book of a man who has given up. Trapped along a false path of his own rather unintelligent design, Behe has left himself no escape. Poster boy of creationists everywhere, he has cut himself adrift from the world of real science. And real science, in the shape of his own department of biological sciences at Lehigh University, has publicly disowned him, via a remarkable disclaimer on its Web site: “While we respect Prof. Behe’s right to express his views, they are his alone and are in no way endorsed by the department.

An another note, how odd that Behe didn't think of dogs.
 
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Go Dawkins. Its a shame that Behe couldn't admit he was wrong and perhaps salvage some sort of career, but perhaps this is necessary to finally kill off this current wave of creationist revivalism. Although something tells me its not the last we'll hear.
 
Kurdt said:
Go Dawkins.
Indeed. Dawkins really slapped him silly. Gotta love it!
 
I read [most of] "Darwin's Black Box" and it is well written - so well written I get the impression that a lot of people who liked it couldn't get past how well written it was to actually think about the arguments being made. They were ludicrously, transparently simplistic, and even contradictory.

I didn't realize he was from Lehigh and I'm not sure if knowing of the disclaimer makes that good or bad for the school...

I also didn't realize he testified in the Dover, PA case - though I knew about the judge's b!tch slap!
 
Last edited:
Doc Al said:
Indeed. Dawkins really slapped him silly. Gotta love it!

Ken Miller deserves a lot of credit. He was mentioned in the article.
 

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