Intelligent Design

Intelligent Design: Intelligent Enough?

Hello Lads. In another one of this unit’s interesting blogs, I will be talking about the inclusion of religion, specifically the theory of intelligent design, into science classes. This has been a hot topic for the last 100 years, as schools around the nation find themselves being pulled in opposite directions by science and religion. Should we teach our kids the fascinating, yet not 100% proven, theory of evolution? Or should we just follow “god’s book” and his seven day creation? Surprisingly enough, in the last few years a new theory has come up shows that maybe both of these theories are true; but how is that possible?.

“Intelligent Design” is the idea that “a hidden hand must lie somewhere behind the evolution of life” (Nature 436, 753). That is to say, that whether the theory of evolution is right or wrong, these people believe that god is always behind the creation of the universe. As interesting as it sounds, the big question is still in the air. Should god, or the “intelligent creator” be the almighty scientist in children’s classrooms? The following two editorials give very interesting opposing points of view on this topic

In Nature 436, 753 (11 August 2005) “Keeping Religion out of science classes”, the editor voices his opinion on the importance of maintaining religion and science separated in the schools and criticizes president Bush’s recent comments on the importance of intelligent design. This author emphasizes the political dangers for President Bush and many republicans trying to embrace this theory and goes on to provide examples of state legislatures that have been removed because of their insistence on the inclusion of this theory into the classroom (see Nature 406, 552; 2000). The editor supports every effort carried out by scientists and researchers in order to make it clear that “the president's apparent willingness to allow intelligent design into the classroom is at odds with America's pressing need to improve science education.” This is an excellent point. In today’s technological and globalized world, the United States cannot afford to turn back to prehistoric teachings. It is true that god may exist, and yes I believe god, but when it comes down to science, I believe that one must guide himself with physical evidence and experiments, because it has been through scientists, not priests, that the world has advanced technologically and scientifically the way it has for the past 200 years. Scientists should continue to speak out in all available forums. The fight will go on, but science and reason can ultimately win.” (Nature 436, 753).

The second article that I examined was by Eddie Thompson of authorsden.com. Here Mr. Thompson is basically heavily criticizing a previous article which had a strong opinion against intelligent design. However, I have to say that he decided to approach this editorial in a very particular way. Even though he does make a good point by saying that one theory can never prove another wrong until that one itself if proven right, some of his arguments such as “Buddhists believe people can be reincarnated as animals. Can we no longer discuss cows or rats in science class?” (Thompson) or “Let the teachers teach the facts” (Thompson), make no sense whatsoever and do not strengthen his argument but rather make it look foolish. It is clear that Mr. Thompson is a religious man with strong beliefs in god, as he pretty much directly states it in his article, and feels that it is crucial that religion and science be combined. As much as I respect his opinion, when one is trying to argue or debate a serious and complicated topic as religion vs. science in schools and the validity of the theory of evolution, a “ Because god made it that way” argument will not get you anywhere. Well lads in case you are interested in reading these editorials here they are.

“Keeping Religion out of Science Class”. Nature 436, 753 (11 August 2005)
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v436/n7052/full/436753a.html

Thompson, Eddie. “Keith Lockitch’s Editorial on Intelligent Design.” Friday, December 23, 2005
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=17296&id=20427