Friday, February 20, 2009

Lehigh University biochemistry professor and author Michael Behe will present "Answering Objections to the Argument for Intelligent Design in Biology" at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The talk is scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26 in the Cultural Arts Building Beckwith Recital Hall.

Behe is known for developing the concept of irreducible complexity. His provocative book, Darwin's Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution, was a major catalyst in the emergence of the intelligent design movement. His theory of irreducible complexity is defined as "a single system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning." Behe graduated from Drexel University in 1974 with a B.S. in chemistry and then earned his Ph. D. in biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978. Since then, he has published more than 35 articles in biochemical journals, as well as written editorial features in the Boston Review, American Spectator and the New York Times. His book, Darwin's Black Box, was recently named by the National Review and World magazine as one of the 100 most important books of the 20th century.

This event is free and no tickets are required. For more information, contact event host Donald Furst, professor of art, at 910.962.3440.

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu