"Organized matter performing specific functions may point to intelligence."
I just showed how specified complexity in matter doesn't exist. Please, don't ignore the points. If CSI is true, then biochemical systems are specified for a purpose as set down by the Designer. However, H.J. Muller in *1939* showed conclusively how genes and molecular systems can be selectable for other functions that are not required in the precursor system but over successive generations eventually become part of the precursor system. IC and CSI are hence falsified.
"In cases where complex biological pathways evolve, intelligence must be involved in order for the results to be intelligible."
I just gave you a paper where a new biochemical pathway to digest sugars was formed in bacteria. Also, I can't recall the exact journal and I'll get documentation soon, but there were insects that evolved a biochemical pathway that lent it resistance to pesticides.
"Furthermore, the observed material must have properties to make it intelligible, properties which could very well be a product of intelligent design."
What such properties? IC? Falsified. CSI? Falsified.
"If one wishes to assert the contrary, he can do so only on the basis of philosophy, not science."
Strange then that I and biologists just showed how both CSI and IC are false - using scientific evidence.
"At bottom there is nothing inherently supernatural about intelligent design."
It is when the basis of the theory is a non-natural designer.
It is when the basis of the theory is a non-natural designer.
Again, the distinction between natural and non-natural is superficial, arbitrary, philosophical, and scientifically useless. Intelligent design can, and has been directly observed. Organized matter performing specific functions is a hallmark of the same. The universe is replete with examples, dynamic development of new biological pathways notwithstanding.