Principles of Evolution Web Page
           Discussion Section: Week of 7 February



 
 

Problem Set:  Click on link to bring up problem set.  Please turn in your answers to the problems
                                at the beginning of class.

Answers to problem set 1

    

Readings:  M. J. Behe.  Darwin's Black Box.  Chapters 1-4.

                      Be prepared to discuss the following kinds of questions:

                                1.  What is irreducible complexity?  What criteria can be used to recognize it?

                                2.  Can the claim that a character is irreducibly complex be substantiated
                                            experimentally?  If so, how?

                                3.  Is Behe's argument that a cilium is irreducibly complex convincing?

                                4.  Does a character being irreducible complexity necessarily preclude the
                                            possibility that it was built up by a series of small steps by evolution?
                                            Why or why not?

Assignment:  Write a two-page (typed) essay explaining and justifying one of the following statements:

                                1.  A mousetrap is not (or is) irreducibly complex.

                                2.  Behe makes (or does not make) a convincing case for the blood-clotting system
                                        being irreducibly complex.

                            NOTE:  This assignment is due at the beginning of class.
 
 
 


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