Is Evolution Random?

No. For starters, mutations, gene duplications, transpositions and retroviral integrations do not occur at completely random loci.

But neither do they have a deliberate "purpose". They are not nearly specific enough for that to be the case.

Take simple base-pair substitution mutations. Most of these are fitness-neutral. Then there are the detrimental ones. Then (the minority) are advantageous.

Guess which ones are most likely to make it into subsequent generations?

This effect is known as "natural selection". Advantageous variations are more likely to get reproduced. Naturally. It's what "advantageous" means.

Of course, what is advantageous, reproductively, depends on the environment. Change the environment, and what is advantageous, and what is not, changes.

Intelligent design, or stumbling around in the dark? Review these cases and decide. http://oolon.awardspace.com/SMOGGM.htm