[bobdsmith]

Ever heard of an uncaused cause?

System with parts (A B C) is irreducibly complex

This means system (A B C) has function but any subset of parts does not have function. The argument is that A B C cannot be reached via single steps going through these functionless subsets. True, however:

step 1) D (functional)

step 2) D E (functional)

step 3) D E B (functional)

step 3) D E B C (functional)

step 4) D A B C (functional)

step 5) A B C (functional + IC)

An IC system is reached via gradual single steps where each step is functional.

[DC Bound]

An IC system is reached via gradual single steps where each step is functional

That's an interesting proposition--but doesn't it face the same probabilistic problems? While the pathway you show looks good, how is it different than just adding A, B, and C into an irreducibly complex system? (in terms of the chance of it happening) You still have to overcome the real meat of the IC argument dealing with the probability of each change.

Your construction answers the 'function' part of each step in the evolution of the system during the accumulation of D, and E, but when B appears, what is the natural selection reason why it is retained if it has no function? What advantage could it confer long enough to add a second change, C, that also offers no selective advantage?

[Louis Foxwell]

Ever heard of an uncaused cause? System with parts (A B C) is irreducibly complex

Reductionist theory must assume a primary or uncaused cause. The Big Bang is an example. The origin of life is another. That, before which, nothing can be connected. Dark matter is a third.