Intelligent design, a new paradigm in blather
Social scientists respect Thomas Kuhn's concept of scientific paradigms. Kuhn's concept of a new paradigm is useful, but easily overinterpreted. There are good examples of new paradigms (models) displacing old in science, but there are perhaps more examples of stable paradigms (such as cells and atoms), albeit they are open to further elaboration.
Creationists are unhappy with the paradigm of Darwinian evolution. The intellectually oriented seek a new paradigm to displace it (see Doubts about Darwin by Thomas Woodward). Woodward promotes intelligent design as the paradigm to replace Darwinism. He waxes on its rhetorical virtues, but is vague (not surprising considering his background) on its scientific merits. The award by Christianity Today testifies to the appeal of Woodward's book to certain audiences.
For scientists, new paradigms provide insights. Intelligent design provides none. On the other hand it fits well as a rhetorical paradigm. It's virtues include stability and appeal to legal minds. Though it lacks scientific or literary merit, it is award winning blather.
