Tennessee: Science-Hostile?

A story on the front of the Chattanooga Times Free Press Metro section this morning cited results of a state-wide poll asking Tenneseeans' opinions on several statements about preferable science teaching in public schools. Of those polled, 40% would approve of teaching only creationism in science classes. Those who saw nothing wrong in including both creationism and evolutionary theory amounted to 72% of the sample (600 likely voters statewide, margin of error +/- 4%).

I find this disheartening, but unsurprising. Surveys on broader areas of education regularly show large numbers of people unaware of simple geography, like the location of whole continents. The questions of earth's early history and the appearance of life are amply researched, documented and tested in many ways by the established methods of scientific inquiry.

The latest version of creationism, "intelligent design," like creationism, rests on religious faith. (For a review of intelligent design from a scientific viewpoint, click here. ) I am fully in support of the freedom of religious belief for every citizen, however unsupported by facts. But to compel, or be willing to compel, the presentation of matters of faith as matters of fact in public school further devalues public education. Another link to a lengthy discussion of creationism, intelligent design and the scientific basis of the theory of evolution.