TONY: Honestly, I don't care what the philosophical or religious viewpoints of the author are as long as they don't let it destructively interfere with their work. If belief in a designer inspires them to pursue an avenue of research that would otherwise be anathema, so much the better.

DAVID: Best definition I've seen in a while of an open mind.

And the essay Tony alerted us to was the best defence of design that I've read since your own, David (very long, though, and I must confess to skipping some of the more technical sections). I was also impressed by the article concerning consciousness and anaesthesia, which I didn't have to sign up for. It raises yet more intriguing questions, especially as the gradual loss of consciousness can actually be monitored. I'm enjoying my science education!