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Scientists snub Kansas evolution hearings
Topic Started: May 9 2005, 08:01 AM (286 Views)
gvok
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Scientists snub Kansas evolution hearings
Education hearings rigged, say science organizations
Sunday, May 8, 2005 Posted: 6:22 PM EDT (2222 GMT)

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) -- Scientists have refused to participate in state Board of Education hearings this past week on how the theory of evolution should be treated in public schools, but they haven't exactly been silent.

About a dozen scientists, most from Kansas universities, spoke each day at news conferences after evolution critics testified before a board subcommittee. They expect to continue speaking out as the hearings wrap up on Thursday.

"They're in, they do their shtick, and they're out," said Keith Miller, a Kansas State University geologist. "I'm going to be here, and I'm not going to be quiet. We'll have the rest of our lives to make our points."

The scientists' boycott was led by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Kansas Citizens for Science, which believe the hearings are rigged against the teaching of evolution.

Scientists said they don't see the need to cram their arguments into a few days of testimony, like out-of-state witnesses who were called by advocates of the "intelligent design" theory.

But the boycott has frustrated board members who viewed their hearings as an educational forum.

"I am profoundly disappointed that they've chosen to present their case in the shadows," board member Connie Morris said. "I would have enjoyed hearing what they have to say in a professional, ethical manner."

The theory of evolution says that changes in species can lead to new species, and that different species, including man and apes, have common ancestors. Intelligent design advocates contend the universe is so complex it must have been created by a higher power.

In 1999, the board deleted most references to evolution in the science standards. But standards were adopted later to include evolution as a key education concept.

The state board's standards determine what is on statewide tests, but local school boards decide what is actually taught and which textbooks are used. The state board plans to consider changes to its standards this summer.

Leaders of the science groups said the three subcommittee members already have decided to support language backed by intelligent design advocates. All three are part of a conservative board majority receptive to criticism of evolution.

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Fesarius
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Admiral
^^^
I'm intrigued that they are referring to it as the "Theory of Evolution." Reading the claims of some one would think that it is an incontrovertible fact.
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somerled
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Admiral MacDonald RN
Good on them. I would refuse to participate in this kind of BS too.

It's about time the educators in Kansas got with the program and stopped forcing dogma in the guise of science down kids' throats.
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Fesarius
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Admiral
^^^
Somerled,

I agree. The last thing we need is scientific dogma being taught as factual. :)
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doctortobe
Speak softly, and carry a 57 megaton stick!
So what happens if the Board of Education rules in favor of the intelligent design advocates due to the lack of a counterargument? By favoring their own sensibilities over defending what they believe in, these scientists might just shoot themselves in the foot by having the thing that they would least desire occur.
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somerled
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Admiral MacDonald RN
doctortobe
May 9 2005, 01:26 PM
So what happens if the Board of Education rules in favor of the intelligent design advocates due to the lack of a counterargument? By favoring their own sensibilities over defending what they believe in, these scientists might just shoot themselves in the foot by having the thing that they would least desire occur.

Teachers can refuse to cooperate and teach it.

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somerled
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Admiral MacDonald RN
Fesarius
May 9 2005, 08:25 AM
^^^
Somerled,

I agree. The last thing we need is scientific dogma being taught as factual. :)

Or religious dogma :evil1:
Or pseudoscientific dogma :rotfl:
Or bad science as dogma :banghead:

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Fesarius
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Admiral
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Somerled,

I agree--100%. :yes:
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psyfi
psyfi
I believe in evolution. Nonetheless, I think the points being made about scientific dogma are valid. All of science rests on a metaphysical belief which is that everything within its purview is materialistic. Science is more than a method. It is a set of beliefs. It entails faith and is a faith. As Kuhn pointed out scientists perceptions are conditioned entirely by the ideas that they have been taught to associate with them. There is no ‘objective observation.'
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Dr. Noah
Sistertrek's Asian Correspondant
We teach science in public education, we don't teach philosophy.
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Fesarius
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Admiral
^^^
No philosophy is taught?

I pity da foooo!
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Dr. Noah
Sistertrek's Asian Correspondant
In philosophy class, but not in science class.
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Fesarius
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Admiral
^^^
Okay, that is acceptable. :yes:
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doctortobe
Speak softly, and carry a 57 megaton stick!
somerled
May 10 2005, 02:29 AM
doctortobe
May 9 2005, 01:26 PM
So what happens if the Board of Education rules in favor of the intelligent design advocates due to the lack of a counterargument?  By favoring their own sensibilities over defending what they believe in, these scientists might just shoot themselves in the foot by having the thing that they would least desire occur.

Teachers can refuse to cooperate and teach it.

Then those teachers would be fired. The Board of Education is the entity that dictates what will and what will not be taught in public schools. Tell me, can you dictate what you will and will not do in your job to your boss?
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Fesarius
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Admiral
Quote:
 
Tell me, can you dictate what you will and will not do in your job to your boss?

Doctortobe,

Not to be contrary, but yes, I can. Our boss is actually our contract, although we do have reporting lines of sorts. I pretty much have carved out a niche for myself over the past ten years in my position in academe. Of course, that doesn't mean I can walk around naked and swear at people and get away with it. In other words, there are limits. :)
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