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Published online 27 April 2005 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news050425-7
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Proof of faith?
Some adherents of 'intelligent design' think that holes in the theory of evolution prove the existence of a creator. Religious scientists with a sense of humour may have the best chance of debunking this idea, says Henry Gee.
Douglas Adams' book and cult radio show The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (now made into a film) discusses the Babel fish, a marvellous creature that, when inserted into the ear canal, allows the wearer to understand any language in the Universe. Pan-galactic philosophers find the Babel fish so expertly designed for its task as universal interpreter that it can, in a bizarre twist of logic, be used to prove the non-existence of God.
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