This is a good start. However, there seem to be a lot of unstated assumptions in this statement of the issue. I do not see how we can make progress unless the assumptions are stated clearly. Does that make sense?
I would propose a more precise formulation of the query in order to maximize our mutual understanding:
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How do we detect external design and design intent in non-biological objects (eg. A circuit board, alien object, etc.)?
a. Is this based on our familiarity with the production of those objects?
b1. Is it based merely on outlier detection from what is deemed not designed (e.g., cloud shapes)?
b2. If it is based on outlier detection (b), how is the boundary between not-designed and outlier determined?
c. If not by (a) or (b), then how is external design and design intent detected in non-biological objects? -
Does the non-biological external design detect work for a biological system?
a. Is detection merely by analogy to the non-biological domain?
a1. If so, how can the analogy be proven to be apt? Are there any differences between the domain of biology and the non-biological domain that would render analogies inapt?
b. Can biology be regarded as using algorithms? If so, would computational algorithms provide useful analogies?