Tyger! Tyger! burning bright

Stefanie,

I understand the discoveries that have happened since Darwin published Origin. The deviations you're talking about are really rather minor compared to the principal idea he came up with: natural selection being the mechanism by which life changes. Although a lot of science has passed by since the 1800s, he is still consulted as source, which is rather remarkable.

At any rate, even if you are right, that's really not a response to my argument. Issues, like the ones you cited depend on interpretations, and you have to decide which interpretation you're going to go with.

To me, a science class in public school has an obligation to present the current science of the day as accurately as possible, in a way commensurate with the students' age and understanding.

Well, that's demands decisions which will be made, ultimately, at a political level.

As far as not injecting religious opinions, I've no objection to it myself. But you can't deny the right of others to lobby for their position on one hand, and then boast of being a free-spirited democracy on the other, especially not when you rely solely on the courts to do your battles.

Look at the results of this. Sure, ID and other theories are forbidden in the classroom, and have been for decades, but a large proportion of Americans still doubt evolution. Many simply do not understand it. Perhaps those concerned about evolution and other science matters would be better off focusing on teaching and explaining the science itself, and convincing people, instead of depending on the nearest judge to hand it down by judicial fiat.>

Derek, of course everyone has a moral right to voice their opinions. Even morons and bigots have this right. But not everyone has the right to have their opinions taken seriously, particularly by scientists. If a community of creationists insists that their public school teach creationism, that is their decision. And when their kids grow up completely ignorant of how the natural world actually works, when they are denied admission to any colleges except Bible colleges, when they can't get jobs except within the creationist ghetto, they will have no one to blame but themselves.

Is this really what you are arguing for? It is, I repeat, within your right to believe this and advocate for it. But it is not good.>

Derek,

Why not also to teach astrology in schools? Alchemy? Why not push for teaching every pseudo-scientific notion that has plagued our species througout history? If I can get enough people to believe the sun revolves around the Earth, why not teach that alternative theory? Shouldn't the children hear both sides of the orbital revolution debate?>