Don't detest debate

Raphael Salkie claims that my views on intelligent design are "detestable" (Letters, January ). I have taught and researched biology for more than 30 years, have published on the history and philosophy of science and am fully immersed in the evolutionary paradigm. I have read most of the literature on ID and find it rational (though not necessarily correct). My argument is not against evolution, but against those zealots who think that natural selection is the complete, and only, answer and attempt to prevent debate on anything challenging this.

I am co-author of a paper that will hopefully extend our view of natural selection. Before the Darwinist ideologues sling the word "creationist" at me, I might add that I am an agnostic with a strong aversion to organised religion.

Milton Wainwright
Sheffield University