Is life the result of blind chance, or is there evidence of purpose and design in the natural world? This thought-provoking course dives deep into one of the most hotly debated questions in science, philosophy, and theology. Guided by Maulana Usman Ali, you'll explore the core ideas of Intelligent Design theory and how it challenges the assumptions behind Darwinian evolution — especially the claim that nature’s imperfections disprove the need for a designer.

Through a critical examination of classical and modern thinkers — including William Paley, David Hume, Richard Dawkins, Michael Behe, Kenneth Miller, and Elliot Sober — this course equips you to recognize the strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the debate. You'll learn why some supposed "flaws" in biology may actually reflect deeper design, how motivations behind scientific claims are often philosophical, and what it means to detect design without invoking religion.

Whether you're a student, educator, or seeker of truth, this course will empower you to engage confidently with the evolution-design debate, armed with clarity, critical thinking, and a balanced perspective. 

Course Curriculum

    1. Intelligent Design Theory: Hume versus Paley I

    2. Lesson 1 Quiz

    1. Intelligent Design Theory: Hume versus Paley II

    2. Lesson 2 Quiz

    1. Darwinian Evolution versus Intelligent Design: Argument from Imperfection I

    2. Lesson 3 Quiz

    1. Darwinian Evolution versus Intelligent Design: Argument from Imperfection II

    2. Lesson 4 Quiz

    1. AQD502 Quiz

    2. Feedback Form

About this course

  • 1 hour of video content
  • Elective Course
  • Rayyan Courses' Subscription

What will you learn in this course?

This course aims to provide the student with the following outcomes:

  • Gain a clear understanding of what Intelligent Design is and how it compares to Darwin’s theory of evolution.

  • Explore the famous design debate between William Paley and David Hume, and why it still matters today.

  • Learn why some scientists argue that flaws in nature disprove design — and how others respond to that claim.

  • Discover what key thinkers like Dawkins, Behe, Sober, and Miller say about design and evolution.

  • Build the tools to think critically about science, faith, and the deeper questions behind how life began.

Need help with paying for your course?

Send us an email at [email protected]

Instructor

Maulana Usman Ali

Course Instructor

Maulana Usman Ali is an Alimiyyah graduate who taught both Islamic and Secular Sciences at various institutes of learning. Concurrently, a Chartered Senior Specialist in Biomedical Sciences and Section Leader in Haematology with clinical laboratory and research roles, and a PhD candidate and an Associate Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth.

A deep dive into the science and philosophy of life’s origins.

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