This is an open debate post. Everyone is free to give their input in the comments section. The main focus of this debate will be, should schools teach evolution, evolution alongside intelligent design and creationism, etc. All comments will be moderated but not censored. Please keep the discussion civil.
Tags: Biology, Creationism, Education, Evolution, God, Intelligent Design, Political, Schools
June 30, 2008 at 10:28 am |
Science belongs in a science classroom. That means evolution should most certainly be taught in a science class.
Intelligent design and creationism are not scientific. If a school wants to teach them, they need to put them where they belong, in philosophy or religion.
June 30, 2008 at 1:36 pm |
I think of course they should teach evolution. However, intelligent design and creationism need to be mentioned as well. I mean philosophy is just a form of science.
Creationism and intelligent design are theories. Science is composed of theories. Evolution is a theory. They need to be grouped together, or at least mentioned.
Alternative theories definitely need to be discussed in the classroom. The key is not to make science religion-specific, but also to present other viewpoints so a person can choose for themselves.
June 30, 2008 at 3:26 pm |
atylmo–
Where do you draw the line? If we mention creationism and intelligent design in science, then we should also mention all the other creation stories. Perhaps Mbombo vomited out the sun, moon, and stars. Or perhaps the Enuma Elish got it right and Marduk used Tiamat’s corpse to fashion the world we know. Pretty much every culture has had some sort of explanation for how the world began. How do you propose we fit all of these into the science curriculum?
Also, how can creationism and intelligent design be tested scientifically? If they can’t be, then why should they be taught in a science class?
June 30, 2008 at 4:03 pm |
I was wondering the same thing myself. Maybe we shouldn’t necessarily teach them but present them. The line is pretty thin.
Just say “There are alternative theories out there but for the sake of testability we’ll focus on evolution”. Inform but not necessarily delve into it.
Or present why they can’t be taught in science. One reason being you’d have to dig into all the other “burping up the sun” theories. The other being it isn’t testable by founded methods. Or that by advancing scientific knowledge, we have proven prior spiritual beliefs (Greek gods) false. Therefore by the same pedigree we can prove the others wrong in the future.
I’m saying one shouldn’t be any more informant that evolution is true than any other theory is true. It’s important for students to know that evolution isn’t the only option, and it’s key to be unbiased about it, no matter how much it may appear to lean in science’s favor.
August 2, 2008 at 11:35 pm |
Thank you
August 4, 2008 at 10:55 pm |
You’re welcome? :/