The Design Paradigm Team
Ohthere, Wulfgar, Hygd and Freawaru are random Cornell students who aren't quite sure how they became entangled in the intelligent design/evolution debate, but once in, they found it difficult to extricate themselves.
Something seems to be wrong when you find yourself discussing the virtues of methodological naturalism, ID as a heuristic, or the purpose of falsifiablity in science while standing in the lines in Trillium, walking from class in the vet school or taking a break in Libe Cafe; surely IDEA discussion meetings are the time to discuss such things? And when you find yourself trying to sort out a problem with specification or phylogenetic trees while sitting in an evening prelim on a distinctly unrelated topic you know you have gone too far. But it seems we are all stuck, if you allow yourself to begin thinking on a topic like this it's hard to stop. It isn't like anyone has clear cut answers to our questions, we find ourselves faced with a challenge unlike any in our regular classes; with questions to which our professors and textbooks don't have ready solutions.
We write because it helps us to think, to organize our thoughts; after you've spent several nights muddling over a problem it helps to put down a summary. Sometimes because we couldn't find anywhere where a problem was addressed, and want to give some suggestions for an answer, or at least point out a problem; or sometimes because we've been helped so much by other people's thoughts we want to reciprocate, and let them know they made sense. Sometimes just because we're annoyed at the way things are run, and think the 'whole establishment' needs a call to rethink their positions. We also welcome the opportunity the internet offers to participate with IDEA students from other campuses; after all, we're all in this together.
One member of our team writes from further from Cayuga's waters; Wiglaf, our 'foreign correspondent', was named an honorary member in virtue of his willingness to join us in the thick of things. He brings a fresh perspective, and we're glad he's here with us.
If you're a Cornell IDEA'er and would like to join the Design Paradigm team write us an email and let us know-- we'd love to have you aboard. If you're not a Cornellian but still feel you have something to say you're welcome to submit a guest post; email designparadigm@gmail.com.
And whoever, wherever you are, you're always welcome to join our discussions in the comments!
