tynor@uiucuxc.UUCP (04/08/84)
#N:uiucuxc:36200010:000:3972
uiucuxc!tynor Apr 6 13:18:00 1984
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RESULTS FROM THE RECENT CREATION/EVOLUTION SURVEY
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1) Do you believe that creationism should be taught on an
"equal time" basis with the scientific theory of evolution.
NO: 18 (90%)
YES: 2 (10%)
2) Have you read any of the standard creationist literature?
(ie. Evolution-The Fossils Say No!, Scientific Creationism)
NO: 13 (65%)
YES: 7 (35%)
An interesting observation: The 2 respondents who felt that creation
should be taught on "equal time" with evolution had *not* read any
of the creationist literature...
3) What is your educational background? (Geology, chemistry,
computer science...) Level of degree (BS,MS,PhD,...)
A wide variety here. Associate Degree: 1
Bachelor's : 8
Master's : 6
Ph.D : 5
A pretty good scatering of disciplines too: Geology, Astrophysics,
Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Theology(!), Psychology,
Applied Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering.
4) What is your religious affiliation? (If any)
No religious affiliation: 7 (35%)
Atheiest/Agnostic : 5 (25%)
Catholic : 2 (10%)
Episcopalian : 1 ( 5%)
Unitarian : 1 ( 5%)
'Christian' : 2 (10%)
Congregational : 1 ( 5%)
Zen Buddhist : 1 ( 5%)
Another (perhaps not so) interesting observation: The two who felt that
creation should get "equal time" both professed religious affiliation
(not atheistic/agnostic...). I'll include their responses to question 1:
>> 1) Do you believe that creationism should be taught on an
>> "equal time" basis with the scientific theory of evolution.
>>
>> Depends on the individual school. I wouldn't expect an
>> unbiased class of religion at BYU. A good class should
>> present facts to the students for and against all current
>> theories and let the student decide which theory is best.
>> I suppose, then, my answer is Yes. Note, however, that
>> I support the theory of evolution; it seems to be the best
>> supported by evidence, and it does not conflict with any
>> doctrine of my faith. Funny one of your questions wasn't
>> "Do you support evolution/creation/???"
>>
[ My comments: The question is: Is creationism a 'current theory' in
the scientific community? The answer: No! Besides, is it really
responsible to ask young students to evaluate data, and choose a best
theory? If I asked a group of 6th graders to choose between Newtonian
Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics, which would they choose? Quantum
theory is highly non-common-sensical (can you imagine an electron
actually having a small probability of jumping through a wall?!?!?)
I imagine that they'd reject the theory.
This isn't how science is done. A sixth grader is not trained
to evaluate every scientific theory out there. That's what the
scientific community is for. Until a significant number of practicing
geologists, physisists, biochemists, astronomers, etc. accept the
outrageous claims made by the creationists, creation cannot be considered
a 'current theory'.]
>> To answer your questions:
>> 1) Yes, creationism should be taught on an
>> "equal time" basis with the scientific theory of
>> evolution. The key word there is "theory;" we really
>> have no way of insuring its accuracy even though
>> the evidence seems to lean in its direction.
>>
[ My comments: The theory that the earth is round is 'just a theory'
(albiet well supported...) Some (the Flat Earth Society) maintain that
there is also evidence that the earth is flat. This too is 'just a
theory'. But are they really equal?]
Steve Tynor
University of Illinois Campaign/Urbana
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