First off, asking any teacher to teach Evolution and Intelligent Design in the same class is silly. A biology teacher is unqualified to teach on philosophy and metaphysical items. There is almost always a wacky English or Social Studies teacher who can take on these subjects. I have no problem if its in a civics type class. An "open air" discussion of religion, philosophy and society probably would benefit us all. But teaching the two together? Counter productive.
>Is "science" not generally stuff that can be observed tangibly and measured?
Yes, science is based on experimental method: hypothesis, test design, test, evaluation, conclusion.
>Is creationism and intelligent design not a myth- or at most a hypothesis? Hypothesis is part one of scientific method, Ergo, intelligent design perfectly in play for a science or philosophy class. *What* class is the question... Evolutionary biology is not the answer.
>How much does it really matter to the general public how the world originated?
When you are talking religion, you are asking the wrong question. If you asked how much does it matter in one's daily life how created the universe? The answer is little. However, how religion is discussed in an educational and civic framework does matter, and we're kidding ourselves if we think it doesn't or shouldn't.
And for the 8350th time, there is no such thing as "seaparation of church and state" in the constitution. It says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". the current line is roughly: you can say God, you can do various things in public purview, but no town can say "this is a Christian town". Religious displays are dependent on context: as part of a historical or general civic issue, religion is fine. If you suddenly have a big statue of Jesus and have a plaque with "Jesus built this town", then it's establishment of religion and unlawful.
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timeasmymeasure
Multiple Issues
Date: 2005-10-16 03:53 am (UTC)>Is "science" not generally stuff that can be observed tangibly and measured?
Yes, science is based on experimental method: hypothesis, test design, test, evaluation, conclusion.
>Is creationism and intelligent design not a myth- or at most a hypothesis?
Hypothesis is part one of scientific method, Ergo, intelligent design perfectly in play for a science or philosophy class. *What* class is the question... Evolutionary biology is not the answer.
>How much does it really matter to the general public how the world originated?
When you are talking religion, you are asking the wrong question. If you asked how much does it matter in one's daily life how created the universe? The answer is little. However, how religion is discussed in an educational and civic framework does matter, and we're kidding ourselves if we think it doesn't or shouldn't.
And for the 8350th time, there is no such thing as "seaparation of church and state" in the constitution. It says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". the current line is roughly: you can say God, you can do various things in public purview, but no town can say "this is a Christian town". Religious displays are dependent on context: as part of a historical or general civic issue, religion is fine. If you suddenly have a big statue of Jesus and have a plaque with "Jesus built this town", then it's establishment of religion and unlawful.