Claim CA042:
Evolution does not need to be taught in science classes. The important
parts of biology, such as how organisms function, how they are classified,
and how they interact with one another, do not depend on evolution.
Response:
- Biology without evolution is natural history, not biology. There is a
great deal of important information in natural history that should be
taught, but evolution is the unifying idea that ties it all together,
allowing one not only to know the facts but to understand them and to
know where the facts come from. Teaching biology without evolution
would be like teaching chemistry without the periodic table of the
elements.
- To quote an anonymous writer to TalkOrigins.org (June 15, 2003 feedback):
Evolution matters because science matters, and too many people
(including some presidents) are willing to believe that science is
something you can pick and choose from, with "good" science being
anything that supports your own views and "bad" science being
anything that doesn't. Physicists are great guys because they say
nothing to offend us, biologists are mad scientists leading us down
the path to perdition with their genetic meddling, evolutionists are
self-delusional fools, and anyone studying environmental science is a
left-wing tree-hugging extremist whose sole goal is to destroy the
American economy and lead us to one-world government. If scientists
in a given discipline argue about any conclusion, whoever says what
you want to hear is the right one. Too many people can't accept that
although scientists are not perfect, and do make mistakes (sometimes
whoppers), science isn't something you can pick through like a
buffet, accepting only what is to your "taste" and designating the
rest inedible. If people feel free to reject the science of
evolution, they feel free to reject any science on no better grounds.
Whether my students accept evolution may have little direct effect on
my future. Whether they understand biology, ecology, environmental
geology (water is a big issue in my community), and other subjects
and can make informed decisions regarding scientific issues
does
matter. If they feel free to reject evolution as part of a "buffet"
approach to science, their other choices will be no better informed.
Links:
Dobzhansky, Theodosius, 1973. Nothing in biology makes sense
except in the light of evolution. The American Biology Teacher 35:
125-129. http://people.delphiforums.com/lordorman/light.htm
or
http://www.2think.org/dobzhansky.shtml
or
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/10/2/text_pop/l_102_01.html
created 2003-6-18