Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Evolution Takes a Back Seat in U.S. Classes

sapiens · 02-10-2005, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alansmithee

There is a big difference between those theories and the theory of evolution. Those all can be proven with experiments. Evolution cannot. Also, there ere many differing opinions on evolution.

NOTHING can be proven with experiments. Still, evolutionary theory can be tested and makes falsifiable predictions (unlike creationism). This is a probably a topic for another thread.

I'm inclined to agree with the quotes below:

Quote:

Creation as literally depicted in Genesis is indeed supported by faith (and needs to be, since it is not supported by anything else, certainly not the Pope, nor the Roman or Anglican hierarchies). Evolution, on the other hand, is supported by evidence.

Any science teacher who denies that the world is billions (or even millions!) of years old is teaching children a preposterous, mind-shrinking falsehood. These men disgrace the honourable profession of teacher. By comparison, real teachers, teachers who respect truth and evidence whether in science or history, have so much more to offer. Today's children are blessed with the opportunity to open their minds to the shattering wonder of their own existence, the nature of life and its remarkable provenance in a yet more remarkable universe. Teachers who help to open young minds perform a duty which is as near sacred as I will admit. Ignorant, closed-minded, false teachers who stand in their way come as close as I can reckon to committing true sacrilege.

· Richard Dawkins FRS is Oxford University's Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science.

http://education.guardian.co.uk/scho...664595,00.html

Quote:

They [creation myths] are all different. Many of them are hauntingly beautiful. I think it is an excellent idea to teach them because it will bring home to the pupils that there is nothing to choose between them. And there is certainly no reason to prefer the Genesis creation myths (because Genesis itself has two different creation myths). "Of all the thousands and thousands of origin accounts we can teach our students, one and only one stands out as different from all the rest. This is the complex of origin accounts given by science. And what singles out the scientific account by contrast with all the rest? It is supported by evidence. Lots and lots of evidence. Evidence that can be publicly demonstrated and which will persuade any reasonable person, no matter what their cultural background."- Richard Dawkins

http://education.guardian.co.uk/asle...740377,00.html