Evolution Engineered

I previously posted on “rule-of-thumbs” and how they are used by structural engineers in practice. Rule-of-thumbs, also called “industry best/standard practice”, exist in other technical areas, such as oil exploration.

I came across this graphic (accompanied by this pdf) that compares industry standards to the standard BP (apparently)* followed during their disasterous Deepwell Horizon oil exploration project (HT: Jillian Bandes @ Townhall). If proven correct, it demonstrates that by not following industry rule-of-thumbs/standard practices, BP put workers lives, the environment, and the fate of the whole company at risk, as well as potentially destroying the livelihoods of Gulf coast residents.

Rule-of-thumbs/standard practice may seem “unscientific”, but until proven otherwise, they work and should be strictly followed; even more so when the risk is higher.

*While there are some good sources regarding the cause(s) of this disaster, it is prudent to allow a thorough investigation to be completed before definitively assigning blame.

Telic Thoughts contributor, chunkdz, and ID critic, aiguy, have started an interesting discussion on the thread Signature of Minds at TT. I thought I’d get in on the ground floor for this debate. I have no idea where it will lead, but I predict it will be fascinating and entertaining. See below the fold for the first two comments, and enjoy.

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