Intelligent design mandated in the curriculum in Dover, PA

MSN | Outlook, Office, Skype, Bing, Breaking News, and Latest VideosApparently intelligent design is now mandated in the curriculum in Dover, PA. What I find most ironic is that even the Discovery Institute is opposed to it.

quote:

---

Even the Seattle-based Discovery Institute, which supports scientists studying intelligent-design theory, opposes mandating it in schools because it is a relatively new concept, said John West, associate director of the institute’s Center for Science and Culture.

​

We’re completely against anyone who says you should downgrade or limit the teaching of evolution, West said.

---

quote:

---

will we be seeing another scopes v monkey trial?

---

I expect it will go to trial and I hope it does. I can't see where this position can actually withstand scrutiny beyond a small religious community. If it goes to court it won't just be up to a vote from a few narrow minded people. It will be up for a vote from a few narrow minded people who will hear evidence presented to them from actual scientists. I guess we will have to see what happens in Georgia. It may set an unfortunate precedent.It is times like these when I am glad I am a card carrying member of the ACLU. I can't go to court to fight these battles myself but I can certainly support those who do.

quote:

---

weren't paying attention during the election, were we?

---

I'm a slow learner.

I don't think that this one is done yet, a ruling isn't expected for almost a month. They have lost many battles about creationism but this one is a little more subtle: there is no mention of religion on the sticker. I expect that this fact coupled with the fact that the case is being tried in GA gives the creationists almost even odds on this one.

quote:

---

I don't understand what it is about evolution that makes it a "unique opportunity for critical thinking." Surely the same opportunity exists in all sciences?

---

I've read this argument practically every time I see one of these cases come up. Since they can't say they are pushing their religion they say they are "creating opportunities". It is, unfortunately, an effective tactic. I've heard other people (who believe in evolution) say things to the effect of "I don't see the harm is talking about the other side, it is just opening the students to other ideas."As a side note what is "AbE"?