Intelligent Design" (ID), Is Being Portrayed As a Scientific Alternative to Evolution

Introduction: Why Evolution Matters

"Evolution matters because science matters. Science matters because it is the preeminent story of our age, an epic saga about who we are, where we came from, and where we are going."

- Michael Shermer, 20061

It has been 150 years since Charles Darwin published his book, On the Origin of Species2, and yet the public still does not generally accept evolution or understand why it is so scientifically important. Darwin achieved two major accomplishments in his book, both of which were revolutionary. First, Darwin presented a massive amount of evidence from a wide variety of disciplines to show that evolution is a fact. Species change over time. The fact of evolution is no longer debated among scientists, as the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. Second, Darwin also suggested a theory, he called "natural selection," to explain how life evolves. His theory not only explains how the diversity of species has arisen, but also the complex, design-like properties of organisms. Scientists generally accept Darwin's theory, as well as the fact of evolution, as it has also stood up to testing for decades. Darwin's theory of evolution has completely revolutionized our understanding of the life, and our place in the nature. For many scientists and scholars, Darwin's theory is "the single best idea that anyone has ever had."3

Today, evolution provides the conceptual foundation that integrates all of the biological sciences, including genetics, molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, physiology, behavioral biology, ecology, and paleontology. Evolutionary biology is increasing being integrated into the social sciences, as it is central for efforts to understand human origins and behavior. Evolution has many practical implications and it has contributed to important advances in applied sciences. In the biomedical sciences, evolution plays an increasing role in research on HIV, Charles Darwin influenza, and other infectious diseases, and in the discovery of genes that cause disease and treatments. Evolution has been critical for understanding the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and other drugs. Evolution has contributed to advances in agriculture, such as development of crops and livestock and pest management (the evolution of pesticide resistance). Evolution even influences research in biotechnology, and fields outside of the life sciences, including the development of computer technologies and information sciences (evolutionary algorithms).

Thus, the scientific debate over evolution was settled long ago, and the only controversies remaining are political debates over whether evolution, creationism, or both should be taught in public school science classes.

Although scientists accept evolution, a significant proportion of the public does not. This is largely due to poor scientific literacy, religious fundamentalism, and creationists' political efforts. Creationists in the USA have given up on trying to ban teaching evolution in schools, and their attempts to get Genesis taught as an alternative to evolution have also been defeated. In recent years, however, a new, more sophisticated version of creationism, called "intelligent design" (ID), is being portrayed as a scientific alternative to evolution. ID advocates utilize the language of science, but it is not science. It is just another attempt by creationists to insert their religious beliefs into science classrooms. In fact, ID was concocted as a deliberate attempt to circumvent laws in the USA that ban teaching creationism in public schools (the US Constitution prevents the state from promoting any particular religion). ID is a classic example of the public being misled by pseudoscientific claims. The most disturbing aspect of ID is its ultimate goal: to replace all sciences and secular views that are incompatible with Christian beliefs and values. An US Court has ruled against teaching ID creationism as science in public schools, but nevertheless, ID has spread to Europe and has become a global movement.

Why does evolution matter? The bottom line is that evolutionary biology - and all sciences - critically depends upon avoiding interference from religious and political groups deciding what is and what is not taught as science. This is why scientists and educators are so strongly opposed to teaching ID and other forms of creationism, and why many are concerned that the future of science itself is at stake.

To address the widespread misunderstandings of evolution, scientists, educators and governments are responding with numerous efforts to improve the public understanding of evolution.

Science educators are trying new ways of teaching evolution, so that students can distinguish between science versus ID and other pseudosciences. Instead of avoiding the topic of creationism, more science educators are beginning to "teach the controversy."4 The Council of Europe has condemned efforts to introduce creationism into European schools, and urged its member governments to promote oppose creationism.5 Like Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama, many religious groups have voiced their support for evolution, and their opposition to efforts to teach creationism as science6 (signed by 10,876 people as of 31 Aug. 2007).

In summary, evolution is more firmly established in science than the public realizes. Darwin's ideas have completely revolutionized our understanding of where we came from, who we are, and our place in nature. They have also provided many practical applications, and helped to make advances in agricultural, biomedical, and computational sciences. Yet, because evolution undermines some religious beliefs, it is strongly opposed by creationists, and they have managed to help maintain the public's doubts about evolution. The opposition to evolution is often based on common myths and misconceptions, and especially the myth that evolution is scientifically still in question, or "just a theory." The only controversy is whether religious groups should be allowed to dictate what is and what is not taught as science. Scientists and educators are trying to improve the public understanding of evolution, and redress the many misconceptions. Most prominent religious leaders and organizations also agree that creationism should not be taught as science.

The most important lesson from this controversy is that science is a precious gift, and the greatest accomplishment of human intellect for solving nature's mysteries. We should not take it for granted or allow it to be dictated by religious groups that object to its findings. Significant improvements in scientific literacy are badly needed to keep science alive, and to help solve the increasing number of difficult and complex problems we face in the 21st century.

The other sections of this website provide more information about these issues and more in greater detail.

Link and References

References

1. Shermer, M. (2006): Why Darwin Matters: the Case Against Intelligent Design. New York, Times Books 2006. 2. Darwin, Ch. (1859): The Origin of Species. London, John Murray 1859. 3. Dennett, D. (1995): Darwin's Dangerous Idea. New York, Simon & Schuster 1995, 21. 4. Teaching about Evolution and the Nature of Science. Working Group on Teaching Evolution. National Academy Press 5. Council of Europe (2007): Council of Europe states must 'firmly oppose' the teaching of creationism as a scientific discipline. Council of Europe Autumn Session 1-5 Oct. 2007. 6. Zimmerman, M. (2008): An Open Letter Concerning Religion and Science to declare their support for evolution.