At first, Behe defines Darwinian evolution as ‘a process by which life arose from non-living matter and subsequently developed fully by natural means’. But he tempers the feasibility of evolution with questions raised by the ‘irreducible complexity’ of biochemical processes. Assailing unanswered questions that arise in the theory of evolution, Behe argues: “At the tiniest levels of biology, the chemical life of the cell, we have discovered a complex world that radically changes the grounds on which Darwinian debates must be fought..”
Behe admits Catholic heritage in a biochemical environment; as such, from the get-go, she writes with one hand tied behind her back. The biological metaphysician in Behe is the creationist in criticism of Darwin’s Evolution. Like all traditional religionists, he tempers conservative spirituality with generous helpings of liberal doctrine.
Science conceived the idea of cellular existence at about the same time as Darwin’s evolutionary journey and vision. He was unable to access Behe’s considerable library on cell structure, advanced molecular knowledge, or even contemporary theorists Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, who concluded: “Cells make up the entire body of animals and plants, and that cells are somehow individual units with a life of their own..” Behe described Schleiden and Schwann as biochemists working in the early to mid-19th century, the time of Darwin’s travels and writing notes to write “On the Origin of Species”. In this sense, new discoveries in the field of biology were not available to the intrepid Darwin.
Behe assigns Darwin’s theory to a ‘Black Box’ of unanswered questions. It denigrates Darwin’s broad-based theory and creates some ‘black boxes’ of its own: namely, the perception of ‘irreducible complexity’ in cellular development, even when such complexity can be further reduced to the tiniest atomic particle and atom. affinity for symbiosis. He postulates that the last box left is the cell, opened to reveal molecules, the basis of nature. But the foundation of nature does not rest, not on molecules, but on individual atoms and these somehow affected by subatomic particles and other forces not yet classified or untested as energetic incentives. Basic biochemistry must perceive the assembly of two or more atoms to constitute the molecular creation. ‘Hydrogen atoms’ are the most abundant element in the universe, used in the production of synthetic ammonia and methanol, in the refining of petroleum, and in the hydrogenation of organic materials. Within the qualities of hydrogen and oxygen lies the propensity to create water; all it takes is two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom to create a water molecule; even so, a catalyst is necessary to instigate precipitation; however, all other molecules result from different combinations of atoms.
Admitted by Behe, Black Boxes sometimes occur within Black Boxes, and sometimes new boxes require us to revise all our theories. Thus, Darwin cannot be the only theorist who creates Black Boxes without qualification or resolution. Behe cites Stuart Kauffman of the Santa Fe Institute, who suggested that Darwin’s theory of evolution is true and explains the molecular structure of life. Of course, Darwin was unable to explain molecular structure because the biochemical knowledge and tools available today were not widely available in Darwin’s time.
Fault is found in Behe’s consensus of denigrating ‘natural selection’ as unworthy of accounting for the ‘irreducible complexity’ common to cell development. Contrary to Behe’s opinion, the “irreducible complexity” found in cell development does not eliminate the possibility of “natural selection” processes. Strain out a mosquito and swallow a camel!
Hydrogen and oxygen have the inherent propensity to produce water, without the influence of creatures. Could we not conclude that the same combining force exists in another atomic essence? Gold ore does not appear as an initial occurrence, but gold atoms have the propensity to assimilate under the right conditions, into grains, nuggets, and metal threads. The B cell antibody mimics atomic attraction, its ‘Y’ extension of the cell body construct, in its split extension, is configured to conform to the shape of found objects (bacteria) and thus binds , and then the B cell replicates its antibody. properties. And doesn’t the human brain resemble the evolution of polypeptides folded into a quaternary structure? We found a lot of similarity in visible assemblies and microbiology. Doesn’t a polypeptide endure the same fold around its spine as a developing fetus?
Behe shows that the cell is a molecular machine and describes the molecular steps in the production of AMP, a mononucleotide found in cells. First, a compound molecule begins the building processes with the assembly of carbon, oxygen, and phosphorus, as the host molecule. Thus we begin an incredibly complex system of adding atomic substrates and then removing atomic components that are no longer needed. Evolution, from one stage to another, motivates the attraction of other atomic compounds; with each additional compound inherent the ability to reject unnecessary atoms and thus prepare for the next merger. A dozen sequenced diagrams illustrate Behe’s ‘irreducible complexity’. Oh! Irreducible? Isn’t AMP the product of evolution?
Contrary to Behe’s bias, AMP production, similar to other molecular designs, cannot be separated from Darwin’s larger-scale hypotheses; because the development of molecules is also derived from non-living matter and subsequently develops completely by natural means!
Creationism appeals to the intellect of the majority; and often, Evolution paints its own wicked contrast to the purity of Creation. But such represents a mere placement of metaphysical convictions, and therefore an enjoyment enjoyed by the majority consensus. After all, Michael J. Behe was a Catholic first, a biologist second, and an apologist third. It makes little sense for Behe to criticize Darwin’s theory of evolution, in light of his own AMP molecular development living alongside Darwin’s evolutionary processes.
In the interest of science, Behe devised understandable biochemical processes that involve ‘irreducible complexity’ and do much to enlighten the reader. We recommend this book as a means for modest intellects to understand how living creatures derive from quantum incentives. Evolution, or Intelligent Design, then, remains unresolved and left to individual determination. However, there is research available that questions the distinction between “irreducible complexity” and evolution. Intelligence, as in the AMP segments, must seek its own destiny.
