Posted on 01/31/2006 9:53:47 AM PST by SirLinksalot
Intelligent Design at George Mason University
Ok Folks, Since the topic of Intelligent Design (AKA ID) in Universities has come up elsewhere ( See here for instance : http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1567351/posts ), I'd like to share on this post what is going on at George Mason University.
FYI, ID is “taught” in freshman and senior level biology classes, in astro biology and honors biology classes, and even English and government classes at George Mason.
So, for those who are interested, are some snapshots of quizzes and course descriptions which mention ID.
ID is “taught” in freshman and senior level biology classes, in astro biology and honors biology classes, and even English and government classes. Here are some snapshots of quizzes and course descriptions which mention ID at George Mason:.
Bio 471, Quiz on ID
Bio 471 Quiz on Selection
ENGL 302
GOVT 329
I clicked the links. The overall tenor seems reasonably fair to both sides.
However, I would highly object if these courses were required core curriculae for any major including biology.
ID can certainly be an elective, but the state of ID theory is so poor, that it should not be core/required reading.
I'll be sure that my kid doesn't attend George Mason. I'd expect this nonsense from Liberty University or Bob Jones University...most reputable schools wouldn't mistake ID for science.
I guess you don't expect any Conservative viewpoints to be expressed in the Political Science classes either?
(BTW, I *go* to GMU, and it can hardly be classified as a "conservative" school, though it's definitely nowhere near as liberal as VT or UVA. Conservatives have been known to speak out against liberals on campus, which is a refreshing change from the Dictatorship of the Progressive we've had to endure in the past.)
The picture of God in the text book looks an awful lot like Walter E. Williams.
LOL! Yes, but only those who seek to be educated in economics at George Mason University are worthy enough to meet the latter. ;)
"but the state of ID theory is so poor, that it should not be core/required reading."
The same can be said of Diversity and Sensitivity training as well as Women's Studies.
No big loss to George Mason; they aren't hiring any janitors right now anyhow....
Bwahahahahahah! Good point!
Hey Troll! Welcome to FR!
Different political views expressed in a poli sci class (an art, not a science, BTW), is not the same thing as teaching a faith-based belief (ID) as a science.
BTW, I *go* to GMU
You made my point. If you can't tell the difference between scientific theory and faith-based belief, GMU owes you a tuition refund.
Differing "theories of politics" versus different "theories of science" is not, as you describe, teaching faith-based belief as a science, now is it? There is no indication that these classes are teaching ID as fact, but merely introducing it as one of the competing ideas present in the scientific literature. I ask again, what is the problem with presenting it as such?
You made my point. If you can't tell the difference between scientific theory and faith-based belief, GMU owes you a tuition refund.
And your condescention belongs in another category entirely.
If you are so sure of yourself that you're completely closed to even having the topic discussed, why do you feel compelled in lowering yourself to our meager level to sound off on your dictums? Would that not, by definition, be a waste of your infinitely-valuable time?
Read Judge John Jones' Dover decision. He nails it. If one were to buy your argument, then FSM should also be taught as a competing idea in science courses.
And your condescention belongs in another category entirely.
I believe you meant "condescension." I find it interesting that you had the DU link handy.
be a waste of your infinitely-valuable time?
Thanks for pointing that out. Have a great afternoon. Give my regards to Morton's Demon.
And you do the same.
Interesting, I read the links and I didn't see any effort to promote ID as a science. It appeared to me they were asking the student to analyze the theory, but that doesn't mean either the student or the professor have to validate the theory as true. Many essay questions are about controversial issues and the point isn't to convince the student the issue is valid, but to see how well the student can analyze an issue and parse it out in a concise answer. Besides, GMU is my alma mater and I don't like it being referred to as anything less than reputable.:)
It's interesting that evolution has been around for 140 years and most people don't believe it, no matter how many times it is shoved down their throats.
The-school-of-the-great-Walter-E.-Williams bump to yee, sir.
I was not fortunate enough, nor in the right major, to take one of Dr. William's classes. I did have classmates who took his classes and their universal refrain was that he accepted no BS, made you work for your grade, and you learned a lot.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.