Evolution Debate Raging

[Janus]

If there's any hot button science issue, it's probably evolution especially here in the US.

Once again, controversy over the teaching of it has lead some Kansas education board members to incorporate intel. design language and class standards into school teachings.

Evolution key issue for Kan. voters (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060801/ap_on_el_st_lo/kansas_evolution;_ylt=AmcpkKxCWNPSJQmyPyEkiZSyFz4D ;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--)

[Delta]

This is one of the reasons why we need to lose religion, and quickly. People spend all of their political energy fighting for and against fairy tales, and don't spent it on real things.

[Janus]

Definitely. The problem is that in areas like Kansas, religion is big. The report stated that a large portion of the voters want both taught in school.

By the way, Delta, are you a scientist ( I remember you saying you were a physicist...)?

[Delta]

Originally posted by [email protected] 1 2006, 02:36 PM
By the way, Delta, are you a scientist ( I remember you saying you were a physicist...)?
Yeah, I'm a physics graduate student on the PhD track, although I have quite a few more years to go (~5).

[barret]

I don't mind them teaching Intelligent design if it's going to be used in an english class or something. It's purely non-scientific and thus has no purpose in a science class. I think everyone had to learn about creation stories in middle school, and I'd assume that Intelligent design would make as much sense as a suspeneded yellow disk with a beadered midget in it. I forget who's creation story that is, but it was interesting to say the least.

These people love their beards...

[Janus]

I think everyone had to learn about creation stories in middle school
Sunday bible middle school maybe.

[barret]

Originally posted by [email protected] 2 2006, 01:06 AM

I think everyone had to learn about creation stories in middle school
Sunday bible middle school maybe.
Umm no.

I went to public schools and we learned various creation stories from all regions of the world. Infact, the bible was included, as was many other religions, it wasn't teaching us about religion, rather how people attempted to explain the world around them, and in that sense, I don't mind Intelligent design being taught in school.

[Eleutherios]

Ugh. A better title for that article would be "Intelligent Design versus Intelligent Thought".

[Mujer Libre]

Originally posted by barret+Aug 2 2006, 05:52 AM--> (barret @ Aug 2 2006, 05:52 AM)
[email protected] 2 2006, 01:06 AM

I think everyone had to learn about creation stories in middle school
Sunday bible middle school maybe.
Umm no.

I went to public schools and we learned various creation stories from all regions of the world. Infact, the bible was included, as was many other religions, it wasn't teaching us about religion, rather how people attempted to explain the world around them, and in that sense, I don't mind Intelligent design being taught in school. [/b]
Perhaps creation myths have a place when ancient history or history of religion is being taught, but they must be taught as myths, and even so, I don't think it's important for kids to learn this sort of stuff. Whateverm it definitely doesn't belong anywhere near a science classroom.

I don't, however see how ID has a place in history classes as it's a religious explanation that is being strenuously pushed by the religious right, rather than being an historical artifact.

[RaiseYourVoice]

i hope we can teach ID in history classes soon.

[Janus]

I went to public schools and we learned various creation stories from all regions of the world
Oh, ok. I was about to ask where you went to middle school at.

In places like Texas, teachers have to present evolution as a theory and some still get criticism from parents about it and I believe some are pressured to present ID as well.

[Janus]

Good news everyone.

Evolution supporters have won out and there is a majority of them on the school board.

Evolution opponents lose in Kan. primary (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060802/ap_on_el_st_lo/kansas_evolution;_ylt=AlJA8XxI8O_XlEP0JMIobmCyFz4D ;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--)

This is good cause an ID win out might have pushed others to copy the anti-evolution school standards (not that some aren't trying of course).

[Delta]

That's good, now hopefully the people of Kansas will move on to a real issue.

[Janus]

Yeah, I agree.

The problem is that problems like this occur all the time during a vote and the balance between the two groups see-saws.

[BurnTheOliveTree]

Breathtaking stupidity. These ID proponents are... insufferable, to put it kindly. I suppose we should teach the flat earth theory in schools. :rolleyes:

-Alex

[RevMARKSman]

Originally posted by [email protected] 2 2006, 12:19 PM
Breathtaking stupidity. These ID proponents are... insufferable, to put it kindly. I suppose we should teach the flat earth theory in schools. :rolleyes:

-Alex
As well as the geocentrist theory.

http://webapp.utexas.edu/blogs/archives/sarkarlab/KS_SchoolBrrd_use.jpg