Originally posted by pieman
reply to post by AshtonBlack
to be honest, it depends on what mood i'm in.
some days i look around and say, "man, it can't all be random, it just feels too perfect" and some days i look around and say "man, it has to be
random, it just feels too perfect" and some days i say "man, it feels too perfect to care".
weather or not ID is the most probable explanation should not influence the decision on weather or not the idea should be presented. the idea, at
it's core, seems as sound as not and is either way unproovable.
my view is that it can and should be responcibly taught as an alternative to the standard model where significant members of the public wish
alternatives to be discussed as part of the science curriculum.
The scientific method is demonstrably the best way to go from a hypothesis, to experiment, to theory, to knowledge and prediction about the observable
universe, yet saying "I don't know" is perfectly fine in science.
Simply put, it has been established that ID is a non-scientific theory. Therefore does not belong in a science class. By all means, teach it in a
philosophy or religious education class as an "alternative".
If it had any scientific credentials, then by all means, but alas, the "best" of these have been soundly trounced in a court of law.
Using the argument "lot's of people want it." Does not make it more true or a stronger hypothesis. This is a logical fallacy called "Argument Ad
Populum." or appeal to popularity.
Finally, in this world, I believe, we only have one shot to make life better for others and ourselves. Only one chance to equip our children with the
mental tools so they can combat our mistakes and those of previous generations. Critical thinking, curiosity, freedom of thought and speech are vital
in this pursuit.
To deny them the "best" of our knowledge with unsubstantiated, for want of a better word, woo is, to me, a shameful act. Yet, all across the world
that is what people are doing, when they try to subvert their educational establishments with religious based teaching in a science class.
As an FINAL, finally, I am not totally against religion in all its forms and believe in teaching our children about all the religions of the world and
letting them make up their own minds.
