Genomicus writes:
A rational designer might also consider the cost of that design, and conclude that, based on the costs and current funds, it would be better to design the car with an unreinforced petrol tank.
Correct.
The Pinto
was poorly designed (it blew up people!) - but it was also rationally designed.
And that is why poor design is not contra-indicative of a rational designer.
{abe}
"That is true to an extent." and "Not necessarily." are indicative of a missing parameter.
But you have not yet provided the characteristic that would change the "sometimes" into an "always".
If "Poor design is not evidence against a rational designer" is only "true to an extent", then please define this extent.
And if "an unreinforced petrol tank at the back" would "Not necessarily" be designed by a rational designer then please explain how you would know either way.
Currently, it seems to me that you are arguing that if a thing is poorly designed then is was not designed by a rational designer.
But that assumes that a rational designer cannot make mistakes nor have his design constricted by external factors.
e.g.
If I was to design an eye, I can assure you that it would be:
a) poorly designed and
b) designed by a rational designer.
Edited by Panda, : No reason given.
Edited by Panda, : clarified my {abe}
If I were you
And I wish that I were you
All the things I'd do
To make myself turn blue