Should evolution be the only theory taught in schools?

I went to a catholic school here in Australia, and during science class they taught us evolution as a basic fact. I have a friend (who went to a different school) who opposed evolution in class and she was told to leave the room by the teacher.

It wasn't 'til I finished school that I was aware that in all actuality evolution is simply a theory and a very controversial one at that.

Whether evolution is right or wrong isn’t the issue here.
My problem is the dogmatic approach that the schooling system has in regards to the theory of evolution.

I feel at least give the students a choice.
There is more than one valid theory out there.

schools should give the oppurtunity to nit believe in what they teach but its a good thing to teach 'facts' to the kids..they also teach them the world is round right, and that its not hollow

There is more than one valid theory out there.

Such as?

Well, gravity's a theory, the set theory (which forms the basis of our mathematics) is a theory, the speed of light is a theory, the rate of an object's acceleration in a gravity field is a theory, orbital mechanics is a theory, Hilbert space is a theory, black holes are a theory, the equations for nuclear fission are theories.

And there's all sorts of web pages out on the Internet proving each one of those wrong.

Ya think we should toss them from the textbooks, too, and go back to throwing rocks at each other?

The problem is, most folks confuse the English word "theory" (as in, "I have a theory that OJ did the murder") with the scientific use of the word (as in "String theory forms a basis for new cosmological research.")

This is what a scientist or mathemetician means by the word, "theory": Theory: systematic and organized principles derived by scientific means (dictionary definition #1.). In mathematics, 'theory' is a collection of theorems.

It is possible for a theory to be tweaked as better data becomes available. We have no way of testing the behavior of a solid body in every single gravitational field in the universe. If we could, then we'd have a Proof Of Gravity. Instead, we have a model based on our research here on Earth which has been tweaked (as we learned more about air resistance and fluid dynamics) that we feel holds up if we dropped an object on Jupiter or Pluto or the Moon or some alien planet.

But until we examine all of it, it's a theory.

So to with the Theory of evolution or Newton's theory or the E=MCsquared theory.

[Edited on 16-12-2003 by Byrd]

Well, I remember in 8th grade when we were taught about evolution and I told my science teacher I didn’t believe in it. He said neither did he. He told me to just answer the questions ‘right’ so I could pass and then not care anymore. So it seems that even teachers don’t really give a damn abo0ut what’s going on.

I feel at least give the students a choice.
There is more than one valid theory out there

They do, you have the option to put your child in a religious school, if you want them to learn fantasy versus science.....

In my years at my public high school and secondary schools, they ALWAYS taught evolution as if it were a FACT.

It's quite annoying and i personally look at it as the brainwashing of children.

They present it as if there is no flaws, and rarely mention any flaws with the THEORY

Hell, your lucky if they even say the word "THEORY" before "evolution".

I feel they should focus at other theories as well, not just evolution.

I feel they should focus at other theories as well, not just evolution.

What others?

What others?

Damned good question, as the only one I can then think of is Creationism...which then goes against separation of Church and State...

Never underestimate the importance and impact that you, as a parent can have though, on your child's education. You of course, can always explain it is a theory, to your children, etc.

When I was in school, they were careful to be sure they mentioned it was a theory, not a fact....

It's Darwin's THEORY we learn about?

That's like saying we are taught the Freud PROVED there's an Ego, SuperEgo and ID as FACT.

Lighten up.

There's nothing worng with adding Creationists disagree. For those theories, see your pastor. That's what I was told in a Religious Private School even.

The problem with presenting "Creationism" as a theory, is which one? Judao/Christian? Sihk? Buddhist?

That's like saying we must offer the alternative that Zeus created the world, it's flat and sits on four pillars. It's a theory, right?

[Edited on 16-12-2003 by RANT]

The U.S. is the rare country who has the problem with creationism vs evolution. IMO the other countries don't or rarely have that problem.

Evolution should be taught as a theory, because it is a theory, and all theories should be put forth as such. I am not christian, but I do not believe the theory of evolution. But in schools, it is taught as a fact. Man came from apes, end of story. Ignore the fact that the entire theory in truth violates scientific theory. It gives those who want science to be their ultimate power an answer that sounds good, so it must be right. It disgusts me to think of the harm such a simple matter of how something is taught can cause.

Sharky,

You’re wrong, there are highly scientific minds who have sound scientific arguments that strongly refute evolution as a basis for the start of life. I could argue my position against evolution without ever mentioning anything about God. If you want to risk changing your mind check out the link I posted above and dare to see the fallacies of evolution.


Machine

Originally posted by Machine
Sharky,

You’re wrong, there are highly scientific minds who have sound scientific arguments that strongly refute evolution as a basis for the start of life. I could argue my position against evolution without ever mentioning anything about God. If you want to risk changing your mind check out the link I posted above and dare to see the fallacies of evolution.


Machine

Evolution is not about how life began.

evolution seams to be the anser to alot of the creatures it just fits

there is a need for a orgnizsim to change, to it changes like a virus

theres alot of proof that in wales that they walked on land (hens there super small leg)

but i see holes in it my self, like the dino's first theres a lizard then outpops a bird?

on and on...

noone can prove there right, so theres realy no point in flamming eachother insted of "flamming" lets try to make a list of the cons and positives

The theory of evolution can break down into two major points and one theme. Micro-evolution, which is valid and Macro-evolution which is not valid. The theme is based on finding the origins of life.

Of course this is taking us off topic so I'll end my responses to this subject on this forum.

Machine

[Edited on 16-12-2003 by Machine]