The Triumph of Reason
All too often we hear stories of hatred, misplaced faith, or stupidity reigning over rational thought. Sometimes it even seems that the human brain has been put on hold.
But once in a while, reason wins out.
Yesterday was one of those days, when U.S. District Judge John Jones barred the teaching of "intelligent design" in public schools.
Although temptation is knocking at my door, I will not write at length about this--my previous posts on the subject give you some of my thoughts and I really do not like to repeat myself. Or reiterate a point. It's not good to echo my previous comments. You know, to say the same thing again and again ...
Let me just quote a few of the judge's statements, which capture the essence of the issue.
In his long opinion, Jones ruled that "it is unconstitutional to teach intelligent design as an alternative to evolution in a public school classroom."
He blasted the "breathtaking inanity" of the school board's policy of including "intelligent design."
"Any asserted secular purposes by the board are a sham and are merely secondary to a religious objective," Jones wrote.
The students and teachers of Dover High School, according to Jones, "deserved better than to be dragged into this legal maelstrom with its resulting utter waste of monetary and personal resources."
Amen.
And just in case I do not get a chance to post before Sunday's holiday, let me offer my best wishes to everyone for a very happy holiday season, however it is you choose to celebrate.
posted by David Amulet @ 5:34 AM
7 wisecracks
7 Comments:
I think the school district voted out all the pro I.D. board members as well. The best thing to come out of all this I.D. debate, however, is Flying Spaghetti Monsterism.
Well said!
Remember, most of the country lives in a constant, irrational state. When you hear about rationality being put on hold, know it is because people don't know any better.
Enjoy the Winter Solstice and any of its variations.
I just watched the Penn & Teller: Bullshit episode on Creationism. It's very well thought out and funny. Check it out if you get a chance. It relates directly to this.
There isn't enough science being taught in science class as it is without adding this philosophical brouhaha to the mix.
I think Intelligent Design should be taught in public school-- just not in a science classes. I think Philosophy should be returned to the cirriculum and Intelligent Design should be part of the cirriculum of a philosophy course.
I think people who think we should teach intelligent design or philosophy don't realize what kind of position that would put teachers, principals, and school boards in.
Such areas of study are extremely personal, controversial, and often can divide people. Why do that? Why not leave that stuff to parents? Are parents now being excluded from teaching their kids, morals, ethics, religious beliefs, etc.? Leave it to the home for that stuff.
Let's focus on something more important and less subjective - like improving math, science, and writing skills. Gee...how about that?
The Phoenix...an ex-teacher
Philosophy isn't a study of what people believe so much as the thought processes people have and the paths they take to come to the beliefs they have.
I'm not suggeesting Philosophy be a required course-- I just think it would be nice to offer the course as an elective that high school students COULD take, if they so chose-- like an AP Philosophy course that would allow students to test out of and forego the need to take such courses in college so they could instead focus on courses in their major at that point.
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