I have no respect for credentials per se, but I do look at track records. The computer scientists of 1966 fully expected to have artificial intelligence well in hand by 2001. So much for their assessment of what can and cannot be done.
The only strong argument for ID is statistical. You cannot, in physics, say that something cannot happen, only that it is extremely improbable.
But the assertion of improbability always ignores selection.
My poor dog is crossing his paws, so I'll have to make this short. But I wanted to address this:
The computer scientists of 1966 fully expected to have artificial intelligence well in hand by 2001. So much for their assessment of what can and cannot be done.
Penrose (Emperor's New Mind) believes it can never be accomplished to the degree hoped. However, we do have an A.I. expert on the forum, tortoise, who might have more information for you if you are interested.
Kudos to you for never stopping to ask questions!!!