Are humans the accidental products of a blind and uncaring universe? Or are they the beneficiaries of a cosmic order that was planned beforehand to help them flourish? Privileged Species is a 33-minute documentary by Discovery Institute that explores growing evidence from physics, chemistry, biology, and related fields that our universe was designed for large multi-cellular beings like ourselves. Featuring geneticist and author Michael Denton, the documentary investigates the special properties of carbon, water, and oxygen that make human life and the life of other organisms possible, and it explores some of the unique features of humans that make us a truly privileged species.
J**K
Gives reason to believe in a creator and designer
i enjoyed this video. It is reminiscent of an earlier video from Illustra Media called The Privileged Planet, covering some of the same ground, but this time with a focus on the human species. The video points out numerous aspects of how creation is designed with human flourishing in mind. Examples are drawn from how our bodies are designed, from the properties of water, and of carbon molecules, and there are many other areas that are covered.Is it all really coincidence? Did a random event like The Big Bang "just happen" to yield a universe so carefully designed for human life and flourishing? I doubt it, and you should doubt that story too. This video gives plenty of ammunition by which to doubt The Big Bang and the subsequent spontaneous creation and evolution of life. You were designed, and that means there is a Designer.
K**N
The universe seems to be designed for us, right down to earth's vital components!
I enjoyed Privileged Planet a lot and had recently read Stephen Meyers' Darwin's Doubt. This video fills a void. It is accessible to a broader range of people than previous works. The ID message is simple and profound. The video presentation does not mention God or religion, but shows the facts that describe a universe, galaxy, star and solar system and even lithosphere and biosphere and atmospheric view of the near impossibility of life without associated intelligence and design. Conclusions are not drawn for you. Make up your own mind. Why does everything work together and understandably for man? Why does all required for intelligibility, including the fact that we can understand it, exist? Gives one pause. Great for general audiences and for youth groups as well as a single session video. Enjoy.
P**S
A resounding "NO" to a purposeless accident.
The first half minute of Neo-Darwinist rantings was not necessary, the video presentation and arrangement of subject matter was worthy of a better opening passage. The carefully thought out sequence of the topics, the clear explanation supported by beautiful animation made for easy listening and understanding. A great introduction for those with a deeper scientific interest who wish to pursue the subject of Intelligent Design with it's inescapable implications.
J**H
This is a great video, it along with Fire-maker are great complements ...
This is a great video, it along with Fire-maker are great complements to Dr. Denton's book Nature's Destiny: How the Laws of Biology Reveal Purpose in the Universe. These videos also complement the video Cosmic Origins, The Scientific Evidence For Creation presented by Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., PhD. Cosmic Origins complements Fr. Spitzer's book New Proofs for The Existence of God, Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy.
V**B
A CD that argues that human life was purposely planned.
This DVD is a companion to The Privileged Planet, all presenting evidence for "Intelligent Design" by scientists with the Discovery Institute. Where The Privileged Planet looks at evidence that our planet was designed for life, this CD looks specifically at human life. If you want to check out the evidence believed to support the "intelligent design" world view, as opposed to materialistic evolution, this will be a helpful tool.
G**S
A universe designed for us.
This is a very enlightening film about the mind boggling fine tuning required for life to exists on earth.The film describes the meticulous adjustment of the four fundamental forces of physics and the almost incredible properties of carbon, water and oxygen, all working in unison to support life.But our greatest privilege is our mind, because no other species on earth can do mathematics, arts, politics and master the use of fire.Humanity is therefore a really privileged species!
C**Y
Less than expected, but still good.
I was expecting a more technical presentation after reading a book and articles written by Dr Denton on the same subject. Instead, the movie presents the ideas in summary form with very little real detail. It's beautiful to watch, but I felt like it worked better as an inspirational movie. Without the technical information, it wouldn't be very persuasive for someone who just wanted to say that life evolved to fit the circumstances on earth.
V**O
Short and Sweet - great ID DVD to add to your collection
It wasn’t the best in terms of production, but the info it contains makes up for it. I’m of course an ID fan, and wanted to see more. I thought it was a bit short being around 30mins – but I really enjoyed the concluding sections. ..made me teary-eyed if I’m honest. Great work and definitely for ID fans.Will recommend, even though I've heard the info from Discovery before, it's still nice to hear.
