Posted by caraher on September 9, 2005, at 11:23:27
In reply to Re: Evolutionary Theory and Creationism » alexandra_k, posted by alexandra_k on September 8, 2005, at 20:00:50
> i think it is good to teach that there are limits to science.
I certainly agree here.
...
> i don't see the harm in teaching the intelligent design hypothesis... i don't think anything that is offered seriously should be ignored. if people disagree then they should say their reasons for why they disagree or whatever.The problem is that its proponents portray ID as a *scientific* hypothesis and falsely claim there is a serious *scientific* debate about the validity of evolution and ID as an alternative. From your perspective outside the US it may be harder to see that this issue is strictly power politics on the part of the "Christian Right," rather than a serious intellectual discussion about teaching the nature and limits of science.
I have no problem with a biology teacher prefacing a discussion of evolution by saying that there are limits to scientific knowledge, and that there are intellectually respectable ways of understanding the world other than, and possibly even in conflict with, science. But it is intellectually dishonest to demand that biology teachers lie to children by saying ID is science.
As an aside, the Daily Show next week will be doing a week-long series titled "Evolution? Schmevolution!" in which they promise to resolve the issue "once and for all." Sure to be enlightening... ;)
poster:caraher
thread:551237
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050909/msgs/552721.html