Darwin's Black Box by Michael J. Behe

1. In 'Darwin's Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution', Michael J. Behe presents a compelling argument against the standard evolutionary narrative by introducing the concept of 'irreducible complexity'. Behe, a biochemist, explores molecular systems in living organisms, asserting that certain biological structures are too complex to have evolved from simpler, functional predecessors through natural selection. Using examples such as the bacterial flagellum and the immune system, he argues that these intricate systems require multiple components to function and that removing any one component would result in a non-functional system, thereby suggesting that they could not have arisen through gradual evolutionary processes. Throughout the book, Behe critiques the ability of neo-Darwinian evolution to account for the complexity of biological life and suggests that such complexity points towards intelligent design as a more plausible explanation. The work has sparked significant debate in the scientific community and among the general public, positioning Behe at the forefront of the intelligent design movement and challenging readers to reconsider widely accepted views of evolution.

What does Behe mean by the term 'irreducible complexity'?

A) A system that can be simplified without losing function.
B) A system that ceases to function if any one of its parts is removed.
C) A system that evolves through a series of minor changes.
D) A system that is too complex for science to understand.

2. Which of the following does Behe use as a primary example of an irreducibly complex system?

A) A bird's wing.
B) A plant leaf.
C) The bacterial flagellum.
D) The human eye.

3. According to Behe, what is the 'black box' that Darwin could not open?

A) The cell and its molecular machinery.
B) The human brain.
C) The fossil record.
D) The laws of physics.

4. What scientific discipline does Behe argue provides the strongest challenge to Darwinian evolution?

A) Geology.
B) Ecology.
C) Paleontology.
D) Biochemistry.

5. How does Behe propose irreducibly complex systems came into existence?

A) They are the result of random chemical reactions.
B) They arose through gradual, step-by-step natural selection.
C) They were designed by an intelligent agent.
D) They evolved from simpler, functioning systems.

6. What is the mousetrap analogy used to illustrate?

A) The concept of irreducible complexity.
B) The randomness of mutation.
C) The efficiency of natural selection.
D) The simplicity of evolutionary pathways.

7. What does Behe say about the role of random mutation in creating complex biochemical systems?

A) It works in conjunction with divine intervention.
B) It is insufficient to account for their origin.
C) It is the primary driving force.
D) It is a proven mechanism for all complexity.

8. According to Behe, what is the main problem with 'co-option' as an evolutionary explanation for irreducible complexity?

A) It is too simple an explanation for complex systems.
B) It violates the laws of chemistry.
C) It is a well-documented process in the fossil record.
D) It requires multiple parts to be available and integrated simultaneously.

9. What does Behe conclude about the origin of the blood-clotting cascade?

A) It is irreducibly complex and points to design.
B) It evolved from a single protein.
C) It is a simple system easily explained by evolution.
D) It is not a valid example for scientific study.

10. How does Behe respond to the claim that intelligent design is not science?

A) He argues it is based on observable, empirical evidence.
B) He agrees and says it is a matter of faith.
C) He states that science cannot study origins.
D) He claims it is a philosophical argument only.

11. What does Behe say about the relationship between intelligent design and the identity of the designer?

A) The theory does not identify the designer.
B) The theory proves the designer is supernatural.
C) The designer must be the God of the Bible.
D) The designer is an alien civilization.

12. What does Behe mean by 'purposeful arrangement of parts'?

A) The random assembly of molecules.
B) The components of a system interact to perform a specific function.
C) Aesthetic beauty in nature.
D) The geographical distribution of species.

13. What does Behe argue about the probability of irreducibly complex systems arising by chance?

A) It is a virtual certainty over long time periods.
B) It is astronomically low.
C) It is mathematically impossible to calculate.
D) It is the most likely explanation.

14. What is Behe's stance on common descent?

A) He believes it is the only mechanism for evolution.
B) He argues it is disproven by the fossil record.
C) He accepts it as a plausible explanation for the relatedness of species.
D) He completely rejects it.

15. How does Behe define a 'black box' in science?

A) A simple system that is fully understood.
B) A system whose inner workings are unknown.
C) A device used in laboratory experiments.
D) A theoretical concept with no real-world application.

16. What is the significance of the title 'Darwin's Black Box'?

A) It describes a specific experiment Darwin conducted.
B) It is a metaphor for Darwin's secret doubts.
C) It refers to the cell, a black box of complexity unknown to Darwin.
D) It is the name of a missing notebook from Darwin.

17. What does Behe argue about the fossil record's relevance to his thesis?

A) It provides direct evidence for intelligent design.
B) It is the strongest evidence for his argument.
C) It is largely silent on the origin of complex molecular systems.
D) It conclusively disproves common descent.

18. How does Behe distinguish his argument from 'God of the gaps' reasoning?

A) He says there is no distinction.
B) He claims the evidence for design is positive, based on what we know, not what we don't know.
C) He argues that all gaps in knowledge prove God's existence.
D) He admits it is a 'God of the gaps' argument.

19. What is the central metaphor Michael Behe uses to describe irreducible complexity?

A) A Swiss watch
B) A mousetrap
C) A computer
D) A car engine

20. What is another biochemical example of irreducible complexity discussed by Behe?

A) Photosynthesis
B) Protein synthesis
C) Cellular respiration
D) The blood-clotting cascade

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