They require no leaps of faith at all. It requires reason and the scientific method on the empirical evidence, which is obviously present.
" Possibilities and probabilities of intelligent design also require inferential leaps of faith when organized matter that performs specific functions is recognized. "
The hypothesis has no support. It also contradicts the scientific theory that does have support.
"Neither common descent nor intelligent design are, in the strict sense, empirical science. They only make use of empirical science, from which they make reasonable conjecture.
Common descent is, ID is not. ID is an abandonment of science and the scientific method to pursue arbitrary constructions.
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Evolution and empiricism both have limits. Data and theories alone do not make science. For most people a heliocentric solar system is known only through faith and inference, and not through empirical proofs. In fact, it cannot be empirically proven that the earth revolves around the sun simply because all descriptions of motion are subject the the point from which motion is observed.