Explain the Concept of Irreducible Complexity

a) Explain the concept of ‘Irreducible Complexity’. [25marks] The concept of Irreducible Complexity comes from the argument about Intelligent Design. The argument refers to certain features that are present within the universe and within living organisms and where they possibly came from. Those who argue irreducible complexity say that these features are too complex to not have come from design, whereas those who argue against irreducible complexity say that it is possible for these complex features to have been brought about by natural selection. For something to be irreducibly complex, each part of the structure has to be crucial in allowing the entire structure to work. If one part is removed, the structure can no longer function. Scientists themselves have said that there is not an explanation of evolution for everything, which means that it is possible that evolution can explain some of the complex features within the universe, but the universe itself could be argued to have intelligent design. Darwin, the founder of the theory of natural selection, attempted to prove his theory by saying that it was impossible to find something in nature that had not evolved, and challenged anyone to find it, if there was such a thing. Darwin’s challenge was then answered by Michael Behe, a biochemist who advocates Intelligent Design. Behe had explained his findings in his book ‘Darwin’s Black Box'. Behe claims that opening the ‘black box’ of cells, there are numerous examples of complex molecular machines that absolutely break down the theory of natural selection as a way of explaining all living systems. An example that Behe used was the cilium. These are tiny hair-like structures based on the outside of cells that help move fluid. Behe argued that within the structure, there are many little components within that allow the cilium to function. Behe had said that if the cilium did not have a motor protein, the microtubules in the cilium would not slide and it would