Design and Science
If Intelligent Design is true, how does that change science?
1. Rationality. There is order in the universe because it
originates from a Mind.
2. Optimality. The design is fine-tuned in keeping with the
intentions of the Mind. In fact, some things we attribute to fine-tuning today
may be the result of feedback (engineering, not just initial conditions).
3. Foresight. The design intends to achieve a goal. For
example, in biology, organisms don't just react to the environment, they
regulate it.
4. Purpose. There is an end goal. Discover it.
5. Alignment. Actions consistent with design goals orient a
success vector.
6. Freedom. The designed world is designed for design. DNA
is programmable. Degrees of Freedom provide opportunity for creativity--cities,
networks, code. Successful designs match #5.
7. Evil. There needs to be a good answer, and materialism
sweeps it under the rug of meaninglessness. Freedom in the natural world
grounds the case for moral free will, but evil is one of the results.
8. Balance. Individuals seek their own (survival of
fittest), but ecosystems seek balance. There is a restoring force to counter
the ambitious. Balanced ecosystems are good design.
9. Generosity. Glycolysis begins with the donation of 2 ATP.
Communities and ecosystems thrive because each plays a role. Study mutualism
and syntrophy.
10. Resolution. The problems of the world are not a surprise
to the Designer. Discover our role in their resolution.
11. Interaction. Degrees of Freedom in the world show the
potential for designer interaction. Determine methods of interaction.
12. Consciousness. Science looks for order in the material
world. Design order extends to immaterial dimensions. Explore this.
13. Designer. A designer must choose to implement a
particular (best or optimal) design and must have the power to make it happen.
Will, wisdom, power. Compare candidate designers against necessary
attributes.
Image credit: Profberger at English Wikipedia, CC 3.0.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nautilus_side.jpg
