In this book, first published in 2004, William Dembski, Michael Ruse, and other prominent philosophers provide a comprehensive balanced overview of the debate concerning biological origins - a controversial dialectic since Darwin published The Origin of Species in 1859. Invariably, the source of controversy has been 'design'. Is the appearance of design in organisms (as exhibited in their functional complexity) the result of purely natural forces acting without prevision or teleology? Or, does the appearance of design signify genuine prevision and teleology, and, if so, is that design empirically detectable and thus open to scientific inquiry? Four main positions have emerged in response to these questions: Darwinism, self-organisation, theistic evolution, and intelligent design. The contributors to this volume define their respective positions in an accessible style, inviting readers to draw their own conclusions. Two introductory essays furnish a historical overview of the debate.

‘The topic is hot; the editors are superb; the cast of contributors is star-studded.’

Ronald Numbers - The University of Wisconsin, Madison

‘The editors have done a fine job in amassing the leaders of various fields, all of whom are very well known - theologians, scientists, mathematicians and philosophers.’

Ronald Trigg - University of Warwick

‘The two editors have put together an excellent team to discuss a hot topic … I would expect this to become a standard work of reference on the issue of ‘intelligent design’.’

John Brooke - University of Oxford

‘No other collection offers a comprehensive, balanced, accessible overview like this.’

Source: ReadaLot.org

‘The book is highly recommended.’

Source: Philosophy in Review

'It is a masterly exposition of the issue of design in the biological context … It will serve as a useful reference work in the coming years.'

Source: Milltown Studies