Defending Science in Texas

For those who may not be aware, I am a huge advocate for scientific literacy and critical thinking.  To that end I am also a defender of the theory of evolution.  My self chosen role often puts me doing what I can to counter the misinformed criticisms which many see as valid grounds to dismiss this elegant theory.  Now (especially Texans) I bring your attention to a looming problem.  The state of Texas is in the midst of amending the state’s science curriculum.  However, the panel assigned to determine this includes those who have actively sought to replace the biological theory with religiously based pseudo-science called “intelligent design”.  The most worrisome member on this panel is Stephen Meyer, the vice president of the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture.  Meyer is not a Texas resident and the Discovery Institute is based in Seattle, Washington.  This begs the question for why he and Ralph Seelke (a professor from Wisonsin) are here in Texas?  To push ID into the Texas science curriculum of course.

What is unfortunate is that many Texas residents may be awed by their credentials and seemingly scientific arguments.  Rest assured fellow Texans, the arguments are far from having a basis in solid science.

The Texas Freedom Network has set up an online petition in regard to these changes.  The petition reads:

Texas students deserve a 21st-century science education that prepares them for college and the jobs of tomorrow.  I call on the Texas State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education to adopt science curriculum standards that:

1) are based on sound, peer-reviewed scholarship;

2) do not undermine instruction on evolution, a concept that is critical to the understanding of all the biological sciences; and

3) leave instruction about religious beliefs to our families and congregations.

By signing this petition and you can help assure that Texas sticks to sound science and not religiously based pseudoscience as well as supporting the decision made in the Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover trial.  The 21st Century Science Coalition also has a petition for scientists, teachers and scientists in training to sign as well.  Don’t let our children here in Texas be fed ideology in the science classroom, that’s what philosophy classes are for.  Having a curriculum including ID with or in the place of evolutionary theory will only harm our children academically as they enter not only college but also the workforce as scientists.  Always keep in mind the words of Theodosius Grygorovych Dobzhansky, “Nothing in biololgy makes sense except in the light of evolution”.

For those who may be interested in more information on evolution, here a couple of sites which offer excellent basics:

Talk Origins – Introduction to Evolutionary Biology

UC Berkeley’s – Evolution 101

~ by Cory on October 24, 2008.