Re: ORIGINS: Definition of Intelligent Design

RDehaan237@aol.com
Tue, 3 Dec 1996 07:28:26 -0500

This is what I mean when I say that Darwinism consistently holds that form
follows and is explained by function. Human brain size expanded (form)
dramatically within a few hundred thousand years. That surge can be
explained by the struggle of our human forebears to survive during the ice
ages (function). Thus the struggle to survive drove the increase in brain
size.

David Campbell writes, "Even when the situation exists first, the mutation
itself is not regarded as a response to the situation but rather something
that happens and is successful relative to the previous condition in contact
with the same
situation." Let me apply this scenario to the increase in brain size
example: The _situation_ is the need to survive (function). A mutation just
happens for increase in brain size.
Its phenotype of slightly increased brain size (form) is selected because it
increases chances of survival. Need for survival is the engine that drives
increase in brain size.

Or did brain increase dramatically in size, driven by intrinsic factors
(form), thus making possible the struggle to survive (function)? This is the
position design theorists would take.

Peace,

Bod DeHaan