Did Science Win?
Today’s Lakeland Ledger reports on the decision of the Florida Board of Education to revise the state science standards to specifically include the teaching of evolution as “the fundamental concept underlying all of biology” and one “supported by multiple forms of scientific evidence.”
The article’s first words are, “Science won Tuesday.” Unfortunately, Science did not win… and not just because the teaching of evolution was entered into the state science standards. Science lost because a full understanding of the issue involved is no closer than it was weeks ago. The last minute insertion into the standards describing evolution as a “scientific theory” was a compromise solution to appease those who opposed the standards. While this made appeased some (and “left scientists grumpy”), it simply reveals the widespread lack of understanding on the part of those involved in the debate.
Those who read this website know that I am a strong advocate for the intelligent design movement. Having said that, I am not opposed to Darwinian evolution being taught in school. The real problem is that Darwinian evolution should not be taught with the philosophical and religious blinders of naturalism in place. Science lost on Tuesday, not because the standards are being revised, but because nothing was done to deal with the real issue of the necessity of teaching the weaknesses and flaws of the Darwinian theory of evolution. Darwinism should be taught fairly, examining both the strengths and weaknesses of the theory. Those who oppose intelligent design will not even admit that there are problems with Darwinian evolution (at least not in the public debate over ID).
The article, perhaps without intent, continued to paint the controversy as a battle between science and religion. Hence, we have the initial comment about science winning. Those in favor of the revision are referred to as “scientists”, “science teachers”, and “experts” while those opposed are called “religious conservatives”, “Christian conservatives”, and promoting “Biblical values.” The article fails to mention the scientists who doubt Darwinism and the philosophical and “religious” underpinnings driving the teaching of Darwinism. The controversy is between a worldview which allows only for naturalistic explanations (no matter how weak or flawed). The evidence cannot be fully evaluated because philosophical, or religious, presuppositions refuse to allow certain evidence to be discussed. Those I know in the ID movement are all in favor of allowing the evidence for Darwinian evolution taught in the classroom. I think the schools would be derilect not to do so. They are, however, equally as derilect to act as if Darwinian evolution has been firmly established as the answer to how complex life has arisen on earth and that there is no controversy over whether it is a viable theory.
Science lost, because in the words of John Stemberger, The board’s decision…
… will do absolutely nothing to inform students about the (flaws) with evolution… It’s a meaningless, symbolic change.