Texas Vote May Challenge Teaching of Evolution

tboulay writes "The Texas Board of Education will vote this week on a new science curriculum designed to challenge the guiding principle of evolution, a step that could influence what is taught in biology classes across the nation. The proposed curriculum change would prompt teachers to raise doubts that all life on Earth is descended from common ancestry. Texas is such a large textbook market that many publishers write to the state's standards, then market those books nationwide. 'This is the most specific assault I've seen against evolution and modern science,' said Steven Newton, a project director at the National Center for Science Education, which promotes teaching of evolution." Both sides are saying the issue it too close to call. Three Republicans on the school board who favor the teaching of evolution have come under enormous pressure to reform their ways.

Comments

What's the attack on science?

[kyliaar]

So, it is bad to provoke thought and questions regarding evolution? Gosh, that would lead people to possibly re-evaluate observations. That would be dangerous because .... We have a lot more recorded data than Darwin had available to him in much more widely accessible forms. Obviously, challenging his conclusions and conclusions based on his conclusions is bad. It would almost be, well, blasphemy? The science community sure seems unscientific some time.

Re:What's the attack on science?

[kyliaar]

Well, no theory can be complete without practical application. Neither creationists or evolutions can create new life or spawn new species. The ideas of heredity are used in breeding of plants and animals. Thus, there is proof that life in plants and animals can be altered from generation to generation.

Perhaps the cirriculum should include a discussion of the theory, alternate theories, holes in the major ones, etc. and leave it up for the student to decide for himself.

However, that would change the way most public education works too drastically where one is spoon fed the current hegemony.

Evolution is flawed

[CranberryKing]

There is no 'proof'. So how can it be taught as fact?

only way GOP will stay in power

[Dan667]

Is to make their voters dumber than them and aggressively push religious beliefs that teach unquestioning loyalty. The Republicans have cracked and are grasping at straws.

Re:Remains unbelievable

[sheph]

Why should evolution be beyond question? It certainly isn't fact, and it shouldn't be taught as such. If the whole world believes that you can jump off a cliff without harm does that make it true? Maybe if enough evolutionist try it over time they will develop spring loaded legs. It's amazing to me that the circular logic that is used to defend one position is precisely what is used to discredit the other side. You don't believe in creation? Fine. The Bible has survived over 2000 years, and there is plenty of evidence to suggest that it's far more than an old book of stories. But don't tell me that your so called evidence is any more credible than my belief. There have been plenty of misconceptions, deceptions, and outright lies surrounding evolution over the years. It's the religion of choice among athiests. I'd rather not have my children subjected to it, and I know I'm not alone. This idea that because scientists say it's true that we have to blindly accept it is just as dangerous as blindly accepting any other ideology. What makes evolution so special?

Evangelist bullshite

[sbeckstead]

Texans are already seen as an unsophisticated bunch of hooligans with guns and pick'm'up trucks. Let them cement that with this vote. How hick can you get? Well let's see, we can change science by popular vote and execute any one with a valid challenge. That ought to about finish the state as a force for civilization!

Re:How about this, wise-guy

[InsaneProcessor]

At one point in history, every known "scientist" had proven the Earth was flat. Those that were alive when proven wrong really had egg on their faces.

I can't wait until evolution as the origin of life is proven wrong so all of the current "scientists" are embarrassed as well. Currently, there is more proof that evolution isn't the origin of life than is. That will never change.

Re:Cue the following:

[digitig]

Evolution is a FACT.

You've just moved from the realm of science to the realm of dogma. Welcome to the same intellectual territory as the creationists.

Re:Cue the following:

[spun]

Your critical rationalism is pure bullshit made up by you for the express purpose of making you feel superior. You wouldn't know the 'real world' if it bit you in the ass, Mr. Stuck-In-His-Non-Critical-Rationalizations. The fact that you defend yourself and your ideas so vehemently only proves how caught up in the world of ego you still are. Truly rational people don't need to preach about it, so STFU, sit down, and learn something about the world before preaching. You know less than nothing.

Dentists Vs. Geneticists.....

[IHC Navistar]

"The textbooks will "have to say that there's a problem with evolution -- because there is," said Dr. McLeroy, a dentist. "We need to be honest with the kids.""

-A fucking DENTIST is making these claims?!?!

If he want's to be honest with the kids, he should be lecturing them on brushing their teeth daily, and not be lecturing them on something that he obviously knows very little about.

I hope some kid coughs on him the next time they are at his office for a checkup.....