Book Report on Intelligent Design by William A. Dembski - Essay Example

I. and Speaker: Intelligent Design by William A. Dembski II. Summary: William Dembski tries to combine science with the belief an intelligent being created the universe, but then left it to evolve on its own. The author believes that the universe could not have come about through the Big Bang Theory, due to the complexity of the universe. His focus was to look into the intelligence of the design of the universe and the unintelligence. Dembski asserts that only an intelligent being could have created the complicated biology of animals and humans.

Intelligence leaves behind a characteristic trademark or signature. This characteristic trademark or signature is called specified complexity. An event shows specified complexity if it is complex, not likely to be repeated by chance. For example, when someone throws blocks of ABC’s on the table, sometimes words will occur, but not likely to form words every time. Intelligent Design believes that the odds of the Big Bang Theory getting it right the first time is highly improbable. Intelligence is shown in every aspect of life in the universe, not randomness.

Dembski believes that if the Big Bang Theory was a probable theory, then chaos would ensue. Time does erode what was once intelligently designed. Dembski gave an example of a car. Time rusts and deteriorates cars, but they were designed by engineers. Just because time has eroded the earth, does not mean that in the beginning it was not intelligently designed. Dembski backs up his views with other authors, including evolution advocates. He presents his theories in a concise manner. III.

What was the purpose of the book/seminar? For whom was it intended? This book was written to inform people about an alternative to the Big Bang Theory, more specifically the Intelligent Design theory. This book was intended for students, Christians, and anyone else wanting to believe in a higher power that created the universe. This book is for people who want a reason to believe in God. IV. In your judgment, what were some of the strengths and weaknesses of the book/seminar? The strengths of this argument are the examples shown in the book.

The use of other authors’ works to show his theory is correct could be a strength. His reasoning was sound. The weakness in the book was the opposition of the whole scientific community. There is really no proof for any theory about the creation of the universe that is why they are theories and not facts. V. How was the book/seminar helpful to you? What did you learn from the book/seminar? I learned that there are options to the Big Bang Theory. Faith is important. This alternate theory, no better or worse than others, helps people who believe in a higher power science to believe in.

I also learned the definition of Intelligent Design and specified complexity. I also learned to look for intelligence in the design of everything around me, which makes me think.