[Dan Evans]

It is of central importance to such a person that their is no Deity, and that we are all products of random, accidental interactions.

Look at this image. It certainly isn't the product of evolution. On the other hand, it wasn't created by intelligent design. I didn't create that image. No artist drew it. And it isn't the result of any random process.

It is part of the infinite fractal image created from the very simple Mandelbrot formula:

z'=z*z + c

Some parts of the Mandelbrot image are quite beautiful and others are somewhat disturbing -- but always varied. That same formula also produces this:

As far as we know, the universe is governed by simple mathematical rules. Scientists are sometimes asked, "If the rules are simple, then why is the universe so complex? The standard answer used to be that somehow random variation in the space-time fabric causes the complexity.

But today we know that infinitely complex things can be created without any randomness at all.

Maybe there is another alternative between evolution and intelligent design.

[gridlock]

Complexity is not the equivalent of design. When you show me a fractal pattern that can, oh, say provide 240 horsepower and 211 lb-ft of torque and fit beneath the hood of my Volvo 240, maybe I'll concede that you have a point.

You can make pretty pictures with fractals, but they are meaningless.

[njwoman]

The chaos theory is a very interesting area of study and Mandelbrot sets are usually analyzed in conjunction with the chaos theory. I have done a thesis on chaos theory in college and I personally find Julia sets and images of Julia sets very aesthetically pleasing as well.

Many scientists believe that twentieth century science will be known for only three theories: relativity, quantum mechanics, and chaos.