Michael Behe

Michael Behe is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University, where he conducts research on the evolution of complex biochemical systems. His work centers on challenging mainstream evolutionary theory through the concept of irreducible complexity and intelligent design, though he explicitly states these views are his own and not endorsed by Lehigh University or its Department of Biological Sciences.

Behe's research focuses on biochemical systems requiring multiple interacting components to function, which he argues cannot arise through gradual Darwinian evolution. He introduced the term "irreducibly complex" to describe such systems and proposed "The First Rule of Adaptive Evolution," asserting that beneficial mutations predominantly degrade genetic information. His scholarship bridges biochemistry, evolutionary biology, and philosophy of science, emphasizing empirical analysis of molecular machines and mutation patterns while generating significant scientific controversy.

Analysis of Behe's publications reveals consistent exploration of evolutionary limitations across three decades. Key trends include detailed examination of loss-of-function mutations, mathematical modeling of evolutionary rates, and philosophical arguments for design inference in biological systems. His work consistently targets the explanatory boundaries of neo-Darwinism regarding complex molecular structures, with recurring emphasis on biomolecular machines like the bacterial flagellum and blood clotting cascade. This research trajectory demonstrates sustained focus on testing evolutionary mechanisms against biochemical evidence.