Supplemental materials:

• Q&A: Design Features

• Q&A: Probabilities

• Q&A: Information Theory

• Q&A: Origin of Life

Discussion questions:

1. Distinguish between ‘order’ and ‘specified complexity’.
   See:

   • What about crystals?

2. Define ‘irreducible complexity’. Give a biological example of this.

3. Write a research paper on the topic: ‘Can life really come from non-life as (chemical) evolution suggests?’

4. Why are people so opposed to a ‘design explanation’ for the origin of life?

5. Write a research paper on the topic: ‘Created or Evolved: Is there evidence of design in the world?’

6. Answer the question posed in the title of this chapter: ‘Is the design explanation legitimate?’

Answers

1. See page 118 and Q&A: Thermodynamics for additional information.

2. Information specifies that many parts are needed to make a machine work. Often, the removal of one part can disrupt the whole machine. Therefore, there are a minimum number of parts without which the machine won’t work. Give examples. See 122-125 and Q&A: Design for additional information.

3. A variety of answers are possible. See Q&A: Origin of Life for additional information.

4. They don’t want to admit there is a Creator to whom they are accountable.

5. Formulate your own response. See Q&A: Design Features for additional information.

6. Formulate your own response.