21st Annual Student Research Conference
Being and Purpose in the Intelligent Design Controversy
Ryan P. Dabler
Dr. William Ashcraft, Faculty Mentor
Since its inception in the late twentieth century, the intelligent design movement has been the subject of much controversy and debate in America. In its critique of naturalism as being incapable of explaining all of the complexity of the natural world and removing meaning from human lives, as well as presenting itself as an alternative and viable model, it has evoked much opposition from the scientific community, with many arguing that it falsely calls itself science or is inherently a religious position. While the science of intelligent design has been extensively discussed, its philosophical elements have received less attention. This paper will discuss being and purpose in human life as a motivating factor for intelligent design. It will then evaluate its contention that naturalism necessarily precludes these two by making a distinction between cosmic meaning and human meaning and, finally, examine what this means for intelligent design.
Keywords: Intelligent design, Naturalism, Being, Purpose
Topic(s):Philosophy & Religion
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 41-3
Location: VH 1212
Time: 1:45