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Author | Topic: Do you really understand the ToE? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
pesto Member (Idle past 5588 days) Posts: 63 From: Chicago, IL Joined: |
I would like to devote this thread to developing a simple test to determine whether a person actually understands the Theory of Evolution.
The test should be composed of Yes/No questions. If a person finishes the test answering all questions "Yes", that should be confirmation that the test taker understands the Theory of Evolution. The questions should be posed in lay terminology so almost anyone with a basic understanding of biology should be able to take it. The questions should also avoid certain words that may send up red flags, like "selection". Some sample questions might look like this. * Are traits passed from one generation to the next via DNA?* Do mutations occur? * Can mutations result in new traits? * If a trait benefits the survival of an individual, will that trait become more prevalent in subsequent generations? * If a trait disfavors the survival of an individual, will that trait become less prevalent in subsequent generations? * etc. The questions would need to be ordered in such a fasion that they would progress from the most basic questions (Do mutations occur?) to more sophisticated questions. These example questions could be used as a jumping off point I do not want this to be a debate thread. This should be a thread about what the Theory of Evolution states. The test can be used to take someone unfamiliar with the ToE, or only familiar with a strawman version through what the ToE actually says step by step and show exactly which parts of the theory are misunderstood. This is an idea I pulled off another message board, but thought that this board would be able to do a better job with it. Proposed forum: Is it Science? Edited by pesto, : No reason given. Edited by pesto, : No reason given.
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AdminNosy Administrator Posts: 4754 From: Vancouver, BC, Canada Joined: |
Thread moved here from the Proposed New Topics forum.
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Tusko Member (Idle past 101 days) Posts: 615 From: London, UK Joined: |
If I remember correctly, Chiroptera did something rather like this at some point. I had a brief dig through his history but couldn't find it though... I think he's your man though.
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Modulous Member Posts: 7801 From: Manchester, UK Joined: |
You're probably thinking of Evolution Simplified.
There is another thread of interest, but I haven't found it just yet...
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Tusko Member (Idle past 101 days) Posts: 615 From: London, UK Joined: |
Yes! That's what I was thinking of. Thanks for digging that up, Modulous.
Although it isn't explicitly written in a question and answer format I think it offers a very neat slippery slope to evolution. Of course, its not one that everyone will have a stomach for...
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Modulous Member Posts: 7801 From: Manchester, UK Joined: |
TruthMapping.com and TruthMapping.com talks about Truthmapping.com which is an aid to breaking down debate into logically small statements. Hopefully you might find some ideas in the Evolution Simplified thread and at truthmapping.com :-D
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pesto Member (Idle past 5588 days) Posts: 63 From: Chicago, IL Joined: |
That is kind of what I'm going for. The reason for the question format is twofold. First, it can be used as a pencil and paper "test". Second, it can be used as an outline for a discussion of the ToE. Start at question one until you answer no. Discuss the question until both parties are satisfied, and continue on in this fasion.
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Parasomnium Member Posts: 2224 Joined: |
pesto writes: If a person finishes the test answering all questions "Yes", that should be confirmation that not only does the test taker understand the Theory of Evolution. I have two comments.
"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science." - Charles Darwin. Did you know that most of the time your computer is doing nothing? What if you could make it do something really useful? Like helping scientists understand diseases? Your computer could even be instrumental in finding a cure for HIV/AIDS. Wouldn't that be something? If you agree, then join World Community Grid now and download a simple, free tool that lets you and your computer do your share in helping humanity. After all, you are part of it, so why not take part in it?
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pesto Member (Idle past 5588 days) Posts: 63 From: Chicago, IL Joined: |
1. Correction made
2. This isn't meant as a test you would take in school. It is meant as a tool to show which parts of the ToE are or aren't understood by an individual. The test taker would have to be honest. AbE: A "bible thumping hack" being Christian, would have to be honest. No? Edited by pesto, : No reason given.
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iano Member (Idle past 1941 days) Posts: 6165 From: Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Joined: |
A "bible thumping hack" being Christian, would have to be honest. No? No. But I could be lying
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pesto Member (Idle past 5588 days) Posts: 63 From: Chicago, IL Joined: |
I like that, but I think each logical step is too large. I want to boil it down to very simple yes/no questions to really pinpoint where the misunderstanding is.
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Parasomnium Member Posts: 2224 Joined: |
It is meant as a tool to show which parts of the ToE are or aren't understood by an individual. I see. Good idea.
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RAZD Member (Idle past 1405 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: |
I don't think you want to set it up that all questions are yes answers, if for no other reason than to keep it from being too predictable.
A couple for later in the list:
Enjoy. we are limited in our ability to understand by our ability to understand RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ... to share.
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pesto Member (Idle past 5588 days) Posts: 63 From: Chicago, IL Joined: |
Lets start suggesting questions for the test. Here's my start.
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nwr Member Posts: 6408 From: Geneva, Illinois Joined: Member Rating: 5.1 |
Lets start suggesting questions for the test. Here's my start.
Okay. I'll take the test as it is now given, to see how it goes.
No.
No.
Yes.
I'll pass on that question.
"Help determine" is a poor choice of words. In ordinary usage, "help" implies something about intentions. I'll tentatively answer: No.
I'll pass on that one, too.
Yet another pass.
Yes. And that's why the two preceding questions are bad, and why I gave them a pass.
Okay, so I am being picky. But there is a reason. Many creationists have learned a strawman version of evolution. The strawman version would probably be enough for them to come up with what you intended to take as the correct answers. To be useful, a test has to distinguish between a decent understanding of evolution and the strawman version. Compassionate conservatism - bringing you a kinder, gentler torture chamber
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