This information is intended to introduce students to the ideas proposed by William Paley in 1802 in the book Natural Theology. His model invokes the supernatural to explain adaptation and is a particularly clear example of the intelligent design ideas that were prevalent at that time. Students will have an opportunity to come to an understanding of the phenomena he was trying to explain, in part by reading an excerpt of his original writing. As an optional activity, students will have direct experience examining the structure of the mammalian eye that figured prominently in Paley's writing. Finally, they will work in groups to imagine some of the prior knowledge and beliefs that were central in Paley's thinking. This site includes detailed instructional notes for the teacher and all of the student handouts that are required.
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