Who is known for promoting the idea that nature shows signs of design by an intelligence?

The idea of nature showing signs of design by an intelligence is most closely aligned with the perspective of design theorists. This school of thought argues that certain features of the universe and living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, rather than an undirected process such as natural selection. Design theorists point to complex biological structures and systems that appear to be fine-tuned for specific purposes as evidence of this intelligence.

Darwinists primarily focus on natural selection as the mechanism of evolution, positing that the apparent design of life can arise without invoking a designer. Evolutionists, while acknowledging the concept of evolution, also tend to support naturalistic explanations rather than attributing design to an intelligence. Ecologists study interactions within biological communities and ecosystems, typically without engaging in philosophical discussions about design or intelligence.

In contrast, design theorists specifically advocate for the recognition of an intelligent design influence in nature, making it the correct answer in this context.