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Should Intelligent Design be taught in science class?

Intelligent Design is the theory that God created complex life, as an alternative to the theory of evolution. Critics of teaching it in school claim that Intelligent Design is not a scientific theory, but a religious one.

Implications to Other Questions

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If you believe B then possibly you believe not A

Did complex life evolve through the process of natural selection?

If you believe A then possibly you believe not B

Should religious institutions be separated from government?

Experts and Influencers

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Agree

Experts In Science

Roy Spencer Meteorologist

Agree

If the public school system insists on teaching evolution as a theory of origins, in the view of many a religious activity, why is it discriminating against the only other theory of origins, intelligent design? (There is, by the way, no third theory of origins that anyone has ever been able to determine.) At the very least, school textbooks should acknowledge that evolution is a theory of origins, it has not been proved, and that many scientists do not accept it.

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08 Aug 2005 Source

Sub-Arguments Of This Expert:
Did complex life evolve through the process of natural selection?
Mostly Disagree

Experts In Politics

George W. Bush United States President 2001-2009

Agree

...both sides ought to be properly taught... ... so people can understand what the debate is about.

The Framing Pitch

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02 Aug 2005 Source

Sub-Arguments Of This Expert:
Should religious institutions be separated from government?
Agree

Sarah Palin Former Governor of Alaska (Republican)

Agree

Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools.

The Framing Pitch

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27 Oct 2006 Source

Disagree

Experts In Evolution

Kenneth Miller Biology Professor, Christian

Disagree

The [Dover Area School Trial] demolished any contention that this thing called Intelligent Design is a legitimate scientific theory. ... it showed how thoroughly we could show that Intelligent Design is a religious doctrine masquerading as science.

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07 Nov 2008 Source

Experts In Law

Barack Obama United States President

Disagree

I believe in evolution, and I believe there's a difference between science and faith. That doesn't make faith any less important than science. It just means they're two different things. And I think it's a mistake to try to cloud the teaching of science with theories that frankly don't hold up to scientific inquiry.

The Reconciliatory Pitch

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07 Apr 2008 Source

Sub-Arguments Of This Expert:
Did complex life evolve through the process of natural selection?
Agree
Should religious institutions be separated from government?
Agree

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Lobbyist

Disagree

"Intelligent Design" is a religious view, not a scientific theory, according to U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III in his historic decision in Kitzmiller v. Dover. The decision is a victory not only for the ACLU, who led the legal challenge, but for all who believe it is inappropriate, and unconstitutional, to advance a particular religious belief at the expense of our children's education.

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20 Dec 2005 Source

John E. Jones U.S. Federal Judge III

Disagree

The fact that a scientific theory cannot yet render an explanation on every point should not be used as a pretext to thrust an untestable alternative hypothesis grounded in religion into the science classroom or to misrepresent well-established scientific propositions. ... Our conclusion today is that it is unconstitutional to teach Intelligent Design as an alternative to evolution in a public school science classroom.

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20 Dec 2005 Source

Experts In Politics

John McCain U.S. Senator, Republican

Mostly Disagree

I happen to believe in evolution. ... I respect those who think the world was created in seven days. Should it be taught as a science class? Probably not.

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02 Jul 2006 Source

Sub-Arguments Of This Expert:
Did complex life evolve through the process of natural selection?
Agree

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-1 Point Steven 18 Feb 2009 Stance on Question: Agree

I have read hundreds of comments on intelligent design exhibiting knee-jerk reactions to what is perceived as christian fundamentalism, but I have yet to hear from one opponent of intelligent design who actually understands what the theory says, or how it actually conflicts with the theory of evolution. Most detractors are blatantly misrepresenting intelligent design theory. Is this intentional on their part (if so, shame on them), or is it, as I suspect simply an indication of ignorance. I think this widespread ignorance clearly demonstrates that education on the topic is called for.

1 Point Lisa 19 Feb 2009 Stance on Question: Disagree

Steven - you say you have yet to hear from one opponent of intelligent design who actually understands what the theory says - does that include all the experts on this website, such as Kenneth Miller? You may disagree with him, but I don't think it's fair of you to assert that he doesn't understand Intelligent Design.

Your attacks on people who disagree with you are Ad Hominem. Yes, there are ignorant and manipulative people on both sides of the debate - we can't use their shortcomings to draw conclusions.

Your argument that the widespread ignorance of something demonstrates the need for education doesn't make sense. If our kids are ignorant of Hinduism does that demonstrate the need for education in schools of Hinduism?

P.S. I'm not actually against teaching Intelligent Design in schools in the context of a philosophy or debate class, but I don't think it should be taught in science class.

1 Point Lulu 04 Mar 2009 Stance on Question: Disagree

I agree with you Lisa that an understanding of the theory of Intelligent Design could be of use to growing minds, as could basic understanding of the theories of major religions and their historical basis- but NOT in science class! C'mon Steve- there is a LOT kids need to learn about in the limited time they have during compulsory science classes- and Intelligent Design is not one of them.

0 Points Nick Carleton 09 Apr 2010 Editorial Comment

It seems to me that many people are confused on this topic. Evolution is an observation, not a theory. Natural Selection is a series of theories and Intelligent Design is a series of theories. If you're going to have a debate, at least be clear on what it is you are debating. Only the ignorant would debate the observed evidence of evolution; however, it is possible to debate whether evolution as observed occurred because of 1) one of the theories of natural selection or 2) one of the theories of intelligent design. I think a great deal of the angst and anger associated with this debate can be relieved by spreading this clarification rather than media-misinformed propaganda. The debate is not Evolution vs. God(s), it is Natural Selection vs. God(s), and the distinction between those two debates is absolutely critical.

0 Points Anonymous 09 Apr 2010 General Comment

Now I'm even more confused.