Blatant Bias
Jan 26, 2009
Begin Rant
"Creationism Defeated in Texas" would have been more appropriately titled, "Scientific Debate Defeated in Texas."
The article focuses on the supposed removal of creationism or intelligent design from Texas school curriculum. In actuality, the TSBE removed the "strengths and weaknesses" language from all scientific curriculum. In essence, Texas school teachers are not required to discuss the strengths and/or weaknesses of any scientific theories, including evolution.
While I'm not a strict creationist, and I find most evolution theory credible, I believe that eliminating the requirement to openly discuss strengths and weaknesses of opposing theories to be a great disservice to the children of our state. It's imperative in rigorous scientific studies to look at all available hypotheses, and test those theories extensively, before concluding that any theory* is actual fact.
The good news is that the curriculum retains language requiring analysis and evaluation. Although, I guess our students must not need to develop the critical thinking skills to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of any of the science they are studying. Our society has proven yet again that we don't need thinkers - we just need blind followers.
*Scientific Theory: a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained. ex: Darwin's theory of evolution, intelligent design, creationism
End Rant
