The Design Inference

William A. Dembski

ISBN 10: 0521623871 / ISBN 13: 9780521623872

Published by Cambridge University Press, GB, 1998

About this Item

The design inference uncovers intelligent causes by isolating their key trademark: specified events of small probability. Just about anything that happens is highly improbable, but when a highly improbable event is also specified (i.e. conforms to an independently given pattern) undirected natural causes lose their explanatory power. Design inferences can be found in a range of scientific pursuits from forensic science to research into the origins of life to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This challenging and provocative 1998 book shows how incomplete undirected causes are for science and breathes new life into classical design arguments. It will be read with particular interest by philosophers of science and religion, other philosophers concerned with epistemology and logic, probability and complexity theorists, and statisticians.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780521623872

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Design Inference
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521623871
• ISBN 13: 9780521623872
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 520 grams

About this title

Synopsis

How can we identify events due to intelligent causes and distinguish them from events due to undirected natural causes? If we lack a causal theory how can we determine whether an intelligent cause acted? This book presents a reliable method for detecting intelligent causes: the design inference. The design inference uncovers intelligent causes by isolating the key trademark of intelligent causes: specified events of small probability. Design inferences can be found in a range of scientific pursuits from forensic science to research into the origins of life to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This challenging and provocative book will be read with particular interest by philosophers of science and religion, other philosophers concerned with epistemology and logic, probability and complexity theorists, and statisticians.

About the Author

William A. Dembski is Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture in Seattle, and Carl F. H. Henry Professor of Theology and Science, Southern Seminary, Louisville.