Posted on 02/03/2005 8:12:41 PM PST by MRMEAN
If you get a chance, look into a scientific movement called Intelligent Design. There is a body of raw scientific data, and by culling out the fact vs. the interpretations. Thereby creating new models that comply with the data, from an intelligent design perspective.
In a nutshell, the Intelligent Design Scientists plan on establishing models in as scientific a manner as conventional experts, differentiating itself from a more Creationist orientation.
This movement is sweeping the nation, as more and more ID leaning scientists come on board in droves.
Intelligent Design is an interesting thing to think about, but it is extremely ambiguous and vague. I haven't heard any good methods for detecting intelligent design other than by ruling out all natural possibilities. Well that could take millenia. Until then science must progress by seeking natural mechanisms. Teaching people that natural mechanisms cannot exist impedes science, whether or not it is ultimately true.
If we take away the interpretations involving non-scientific information (observations that cannot be verified through scientific testing) we have very little to go on. Ambiguous and vague is a description of all attempts to discern origins as well as the method by which life has attained it's present states.
What we currently have available in the way of knowable data, we could conservatively attach a less than 1% number to. Working with so little verifiable information puts every intellectually honest individual in a position of humility. Thus we have an ardent atheist like Antony Flew reaching the conclusion, after decades of consideration, that the scientific data available does not convincingly express a naturalistic conclusion.
As the technology has improved, what we find is more frequent dissension from the scientific status quo. The realization of the micro-complexity involved with every living mechanism has stirred the boldness for those who have intuitively distrusted the theory of evolution to come out of the closet. A paradigm shift in our understanding of biological history is currently afoot. Genetic discoveries are further fueling the fire, hence the nationwide desire to step back and reconsider what has been taught as fact, and a need to clearly label the information with appropriate disclaimers.
Thus, what we see is a need for humility and intellectual honesty, which as human beings, we know will be a tuff battle considering the political direction science has turned toward since the Leftists began dominating the educational establishment.
If there is anything we have learned from history is that there is never a need to fear a search for the truth. Amongst those who desire to stiffle the urge to travel the paths toward truth, we have typically found a kernel of error.
Inteligent design does not belong in a science class because it is not a scientific theory. Certainly, it could be taught in a metaphysics class.
Also, coming from where I do, I find it hard to believe that teachers are that afraid to teach evolution. Where I come from, they sure don't hesitate to preach their liberal propaganda in social studies and the like.
The fighting leftist indoctrination in social studies is exactly where we should be focusing our energy. Instead, we're wasting time fighting science. No wonder liberals think we're dumb.
Nothing, so long as you're not wasting classroom time by dumb, illogical and unscientific objections to established the scientific fact of evolution.
This article is New York Times fantasy land stuff. It has nothing to do with reality. Zip, nada, zilch.
I would be interested in your elaborating on your statement John, if you can spare the time. Thanks.
We have mandatory evolution. Still though, almost nobody pays attention to it. We (including the teachers) roll our eyes and bear it.
BTW- By almost nobody I mean anybody worth anything. (Just Joking)
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