And Now for Something New
by Steve PetermannFor some time now I have thought that the debate surrounding ID had grown stale. It seems that the ideas and arguments concerning intelligent design were just being recycled over and over again. That has changed. I just finished reading Mike Gene's new book The Design Matrix and it is chock-full of interesting information, ideas, and approaches to the design question. I know a lot of you will be receiving the book soon so I won't spoil your fun of discovery, but I think you'll find Mike's approach to the design issue very refreshing. You won't find any ideologically driven claims or conclusions. Instead Mike approaches the question of design as an investigation, looking for clues and developing ways to evaluate those clues in a reasonable and thought provoking manner. His Explanatory Continuum offers a fresh and, in my view, very realistic way of interpreting biological data. Then, while acknowledging the subjectivity of the Continuum, Mike provides a way to quantify and systematically assess those judgements. His exposition of new information on the structure of genetic code really caught my eye. And of course, Mike offers lots of intriguing ideas on frontloading. For the biologically astute there is plenty of detail that will be of interest, but even for a non-biologist like me it was easy to read and follow. Then there's much more. Each chapter provides lots of information and ideas to think about. But like I said, I don't want to spoil your fun so these are just some hints at what you'll find. The Rabbit beckons.
November 19th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Mike,
Your book is incredibly compelling. When I say compelling, I mean it. You've got me by the balls (in a good way of course).
Usually, when I read stuff in this niche, I constantly think to myself "this dude is overstating his case" - but not here…instead, I'm thinking WOW this is beautifully understated and refreshing…and why didn't I think of that before!
Not finished yet, but damn is the Design Matrix a fun ride.
Comment by bipod — November 19, 2007 @ 7:40 pm
November 19th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
How about posting a few pages of the book on a public web page before I plunk down 25$?
Comment by kornbelt888 — November 19, 2007 @ 10:51 pm
November 20th, 2007 at 2:54 am
Got home from work tonight after 10:00 p.m. and happened to check the mailbox. What should it be, but a little package from Arbor Vitae. I must admit, I was beginning to wonder if this tome was ever going to make it into print.
Sounds like good feedback so far, and I look forward to digging in.
Congrats, Mike, on getting this
bunnybaby delivered!Eric
Comment by Eric Anderson — November 20, 2007 @ 2:54 am
November 20th, 2007 at 3:47 am
I just tried to order the book and they are charging $31.70 for shipping! Anyone else having this problem?
Comment by Jack — November 20, 2007 @ 3:47 am
November 20th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Hi Steve and bipod,
Thanks for the positive feedback, as I truly value your opinions! The truth is, folks, that if I did not have the DM in mind and on paper all these years, I would have bailed out of this topic years ago. I've used forums and blogs to send all kinds of signals about the need to be provisional and the need to approach this topic as an investigation; about the fact that these are interesting questions; about the existence of an alternative perspective, etc. But they just get drowned out by all the politicking and posturing. Hopefully, the book will make this more clear than ever and begin to stir a more measured and serious consideration of all these issues.
Hi kornbelt888,
You mean you want a peek into the rabbit hole? I suppose something like that will be coming down the trail.
Hi Eric,
Thanks. I hope you enjoy the book. In fact, if you'd like to write a short review that doesn't contain any spoilers, I'd be happy to post it.
Hi Jack,
Did you contact AVP? That sounds like a problem.
Comment by MikeGene — November 20, 2007 @ 5:40 pm