So if you can’t teach Intelligent Design in a public school’s science class, can you teach it in a philosophy class? Especially if you make it an elective?
Well, I suppose you could, looking at the philosophical or even metaphysical considerations behind intelligent design, its implications, the coherency of its thinking, etc. You could examine what folks who believe in ID actually believe in, sure. You might even look at related areas, or discuss creation myths. But, as with any school course, one would have it oriented toward teaching and description.
That would probably be okay.
Holding a course that says ID is true, you better believe it, kids! smacks of religious proselytization, if you ask me. Not that the fine school trustees at Frazier Mountain High School in Lebec, California. Which is why they’re getting sued.
In their suit, the parents said the syllabus originally listed 24 videos to be shown to students, with 23 “produced or distributed by religious organizations and assume a pro-creationist, anti-evolution stance.” They said the syllabus listed two evolution experts who would speak to the class. One was a local parent and scientist who said he had already refused the speaking invitation and was now suing the district; the other was Francis H. C. Crick, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, who died in 2004.
A course description distributed to students and parents said, “This class will take a close look at evolution as a theory and will discuss the scientific, biological and biblical aspects that suggest why Darwin’s philosophy is not rock solid.”
Um. That sounds like advocacy to me. Religious advocacy. And, um, teaching ID as science, no matter what category the class is, itself, listed. Never mind that science used to be called “natural philosophy.”
And that, frankly, is off limits, guys.
The school principal referred inquiries to the superintendent, John W. Wright, who was in Washington and did not respond to an interview request. But Mr. Wright said in a letter on Jan. 6 in response to a complaint from Americans United, “Our legal advisers have pointed out that they are unaware of any court or California statute which has forbidden public schools to explore cultural phenomena, including history, religion or creation myths.”
Exploring cultural phenomena? Go for it. Sounds fun.
Advocating religious viewpoints and exploring (from a pre-determined negative position) the scientific basis for evolution? I’ll bet you we can find something in the courts and statues of California that don’t let you do that.
More info from the LA Times (via BoingBoing):
An initial course description, which was distributed to students and their families last month, said “the class will take a close look at evolution as a theory and will discuss the scientific, biological and biblical aspects that suggest why Darwin’s philosophy is not rock solid. The class will discuss intelligent design as an alternative response to evolution. Physical and chemical evidence will be presented suggesting the earth is thousands of years old, not billions.”
Even more info. Boy, does that sound like it’s scientific assertion being made.
Evidently this particular tack at teaching ID is attracting a lot of attention from other schools that want to slip it in under cover of “philosophy.” Swell.