Scienceray > Philosophy of Science

Should Evolution be Taught Alongside Intelligent Design?

The debate over who is right and who is wrong. Both theories should be taught together.

Isn't science based on theory? I remember learning that the scientific method begins with a hypothesis. What's the difference between a hypothesis and a theory? My dictionary defines a hypothesis as a theory needing investigation: a tentative explanation for a phenomenon, used as a basis for further investigation.

It defines a theory as a scientific principle to explain phenomena: a set of facts, propositions, or principles analyzed in their relation to one another and used, especially in science, to explain phenomena. Sounds like the same thing to me. So the theory of evolution should be studied, as well as the theory of intelligent design. Whether or not either has been proven by science or not, they are both theories, and will help students learn the scientific process.

The next step of the scientific process is to provide evidence to support your theory. If you can validate your theory, then it is recognized as valid. Those who support the evolution theory don't want to acknowledge intelligent design because some of the facts haven't been proven scientifically. But they say, "Darwin's theory of evolution is imperfect. However, the fact that a scientific theory cannot yet render an explanation on every point should not be used as a pretext to thrust an un-testable alternative hypothesis grounded in religion into the science classroom or to misrepresent well-established scientific propositions."

What's the difference? There are points of intelligent design, creationism, or whatever you want to call it, which have been proven. There have been artifacts discovered by archaeologists that have proven Biblical events to be accurate.

So yes, these two theories should be taught in conjunction with each other in the Science classroom.

On another note, the Bible has been proven to be one of the most accurate records of the Earth's history. If that's the case, why is it so hard for people to trust it? History is history, science is science. If the issue is whether intelligent design should be taught, rather than evolution in the science class room; maybe we should think of teaching it in the world history class room.

5
Liked It
I Like It!
Related Articles
The Fact of Evolution  |  The Greatest Fiction in Our Time
Latest Articles in Philosophy of Science
Evolution and Systematics: Biological Diversity  |  The God Gene
Comments (2)
#1 by Oster, Jun 2, 2008
So your basic argument is that the Bible is true, therefore ID is sound science? Maybe stick ID in religious studies, then. ID is not science, and a scientific theory is one that is rigorously tested and proven, so neither is ID a scientific theory.

In fact, ID is not even teachable since it has no proofs, valid studies, prediction, or testable ideas; ID is primarily a set of arguments against a minuscule and highly selective handful of scientific discoveries. All ID arguments have been refuted soundly and repeatedly.

Your claim that the Bible shouldn\'t be questioned and proves creationism is counter to the Discovery Institute\'s policy of dissociating ID from Christianity. If you don\'t the Discovery Institute, you do not know enough about ID. Discovery Institute\'s policy of hiding the fact they are pushing a Christian agenda is essential to their goal to have religion taught as science, and your motives are as clear as theirs -- push Christianity into the public schools as science.
#2 by MyOverflow, Aug 1, 2008
Intelligent Design isn't falsifiable by the Scientific Method, so it's not a theory. Actually, it can't even be considered a hypothesis.

Evolution CAN be falsified by the scientific method. There are MANY ways. If you find a pre-Cambrian chicken, let the scientists know. If you find an animal that shows mammalian characteristics, but has cold blood, let the scientists know. There's MUCH more.

Intelligent Design, however, pushes a "supreme being". THat's unfalsifiable by the scientific method.

Also, if you want to teach Evolution and ID side-by-side, I'm sure you see no problem in teaching Alchemy and Astrology, as well? They are, of course, "the other side".
Post Your Comment:
Name:  
Copy the code into this box:  
Post comment with your Triond credentials?
Inside Scienceray

Astronomy

 /

Biology

 /

Chemistry

 /

Earth Sciences

 /

Mathematics

 /

Philosophy of Science

 /

Physics

 /

Technology


Popular Tags
Popular Writers
Powered by
Scienceray
About Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Services
Submit an Article
Advertise with Us
Contact

© 2007 Copyright Stanza Ltd. All Rights Reserved.