Here is a solution that addresses Lisa's point (see below). Despite the controversy, evolution (in its simplest form - descent with modification) is relatively easy to understand. Furthermore, at introductory levels it can be taught qualitatively. Similarlly, many physical concepts are just as easy to understand, however, physicists generally express their ideas quantitatively...using - wait for it - MATH. For example, consider the Stefan-Boltzmann Law, which takes the following form:
P = (5.669 x 10^-8 W / m^2 K^4)(area m^2)(emissivity)(temperature K)^4
All this says is, the hotter something is the more energy it radiates. Pretty simple, however, I suspect when faced with this equation, most people would ignore it - much less challenge it at a school board meeting. Perhaps we can follow a similar strategy and take advantage of our culture's math phobia.
I have the following blurb taped to my office door:
"Say no to evolution, say yes to dDNA/dt"
If fundamentalists can redefine creationism as intelligent design, why can't we redefine evolution in terms they are unlikely to understand. This way they will have to at least learn a little mathematics before denouncing evolution...oops, I mean dDNA/dt.
Dave
I think she is correct, regarding the general population's understanding of Astronomy and Quantum Physics.
On Jan 19, 2005, at 2:06 PM, Frank Holterhoff wrote:
Park,Lisa E wrote:
If people understood the fields of Astronomy or Quantum Physics better, they would try to disallow the teaching of that in our schools as well; since those fields, more than any other contradicts what is in the Old Testament of the Bible.
You've got that right. I hate to generalize, but I imagine that the median intelligence level of these folks is a bit lower than the median intelligence level of paleontologists, astrophysicists, doctors, etc. as a group. Not that these folks "get" either one completely, but I think they can come closer to understanding Evolution than they can Quantum Physics. If they understood what Quantum Physics says about the beginning of the universe, they probably would be nearly as outraged as they are about Evolution (although Quantum Physics doesn't carry the "disgust" factor that Evolution does).
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David H. Goodwin
Assistant Professor
Department of Geology & Geography
F. W. Olin Science Hall
Denison University
Granville, OH 43023
Voice: (740) 587-5621
Fax: (740) 587-6774
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