Philosophical Controversies in Intelligent Design: Graham Oppy's Critique of William Dembski's Explanatory Filter

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Philosophy of Religion, Faculty of Theology, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran

10.22059/jpht.2025.392987.1006115

Abstract

In recent years, advances in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, computational science, and cosmology have revived debates about the origins of life. While many researchers accept that biological systems arise largely through natural mechanisms, some believe that certain aspects of living things cannot be explained without invoking supernatural influences or the intervention of an intelligent designer. A prominent figure in this camp is William Dembski, whose theory of “intelligent design” seeks to identify patterns and features that demonstrate non-randomness and purpose in organic structures. However, Dembski's critics argue that his proposed framework, known as the "explanatory filter," has several drawbacks, such as vagueness, imprecision, lack of a comprehensive framework, unjustified prioritization, and lack of a suitable measure of probability, and that it fails to provide meaningful insight into complex biological processes. This article examines key criticisms leveled against Dembski's explanatory filter by philosopher Graham Oppy and offers responses such as the comprehensiveness of the explanatory filter based on current empirical knowledge, the adherence to the principle of simplicity that Appey accepts, and more.

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References

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Philosophy of Religion
Volume 22, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 121-133

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