The Informed Drinker: In the Beginning, There Was Rum
Why We Don't Like You: Texas A&M Aggies
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Chief among the proposed amendments is a call for criticizing the theory of evolution by noting its weaknesses; another change would question the process of planet formation. Supporters of the amendment who are attending the debates in person include the Free Market Foundation and Focus on the Family, the latter group which is less known for its scientific acumen than its crusade against the gays. Various evolutionary "heavy-hitters," as Wired's Science blog calls them, are also in town to root for the opposing team.
Earlier in the week, a panel of leading Texas scientists jointly issued a letter condemning the proposals, warning that they would "introduce unwarranted uncertainty to long-settled scientific issues."
"The scientific consensus is that evolution is the backbone of modern biology and many other fields of science, underlying advances in areas such as agriculture and medicine," they wrote. "Downplaying its place in science only serves to confuse students."
The "strengths and weaknesses" part of the amendments failed to achieve enough votes to pass a preliminary vote today, with a tied 7-7 ruling. Another amendment that questions the "formation of simple organic molecules ...into long complex molecules," however, tentatively passed 8-6. Meanwhile, across town, it was reported that the Texas House Public Education Committee had voted unanimously to place the Board of Education under a Sunset review.
Today's votes are merely tentative; the final, binding votes will take place tomorrow. For the latest news, we recommend following the Texas Freedom Network's liveblog and this joint liveblog being spearheaded by Dr. Steven Schafersman of the Texan Citizens for Science.
Related:
'Strengths and Weaknesses': Will the Texas board of education evolve backward? [Washington Post Editorial]
Wired Science on Evolution
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Isn't evolution and creation both just theories? Teach the kids what's on the table and let them decide what to 'believe'.
No, evolution is a scientific theory, which means it must satisfy a lot of serious criteria. This is not the same thing as "I have a theory that..."
Creationism is a theory based on somebody's idea. Scientifically speaking it's barely even a hypothesis.
But way to go equating the two. This is how Republicans win, people.
Thanks mdahmus for reiterating that important point in a rational manner (although I don't think you should have used the word "theory" in your second paragraph, rather perhaps "idea").
Those who label "creation" as a theory don't understand the scientific definition of the term theory. And if we're talking about the context of a science classroom, that's what matters, folks.