There has been an ongoing debate about whether or not Intelligent Design is science, and should it be taught in public schools. First of all, I would say that there are at least three parts to intelligent design. The first part examines the incredible complexity of various mechanisms in living organisms. This part is definitely science. The second part involves the theory of irreducible complexity, which challenges the Darwinist theory that these mechanisms could develop through a series of incremental changes by means of random mutation and survival of the fittest. I see nothing unscientific about using scientific knowledge to challenge an existing scientific theory.

However, the third part of Intelligent Design is the part that says that because of the irreducible complexity that we see in living organisms, we must include that they were designed by an Intelligent Designer. I believe that this third part has moved from the realm of science as it is currently defined, into the realm of philosophy. I also would advocate increased teaching of philosophy in the public schools as well as in higher education, not only to provide a forum in which subjects like Intelligent Design can be discussed, but to provide students with the tools of reason with which they can deal with the complicated problems in the world today.