Re: Re: Why Should Evolution be Taught as Science in Schools?

On 21 Mar 2007 20:55:48 -0700, "sss1000" <sshawid@xxxxxxxxx> enriched
this group when s/he wrote:

On Mar 21, 9:21 pm, "Bob T." <b...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Mar 21, 6:03 pm, "sss1000" <ssha...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

<snip>



Why are you so hung up on "tangible benefits"? There is no "tangible
benefit" to teaching astronomy, and yet we do. There is no "tangible
benefit" to teaching ancient history, and yet we do.

The answer is the same as the reason to teachevolution: because
astronomy and history are facts, whether there is any "tangible
benefit" or not. Even if biologists weren't using evolutionary theory
to help develop new medicine (which they are), it would still be right
to teach the Theory ofEvolutionin science class because it is the
correct scientific description of how life actually works.

- Bob T.


Bob,

Astronomy is probably not of much tangible benefit to modern man.
In the ancient world it was very important in that it allowed men to
navigate at night. Modern man has less obvious benefits, but they may
include: ability to predict poor radio communications due to
increased solar activity, ability to predict eclipses, and the
knowledge to send spacecraft to other planets. Admittedly, these
benefits are somewhat small.

But the benefit of knowledge is never small.


How would society be hurt if students were never taught astronomy?

People would grow up without a full understanding of our universe.
They would be more likely to fall for the arguments of those who
believe in primitive religions.

Probably only in limited ways. However, don't people like to study
astronomy because it fills them with a sense of awe.

Evolution does that as well.

This is probably
a good thing. Note that astronomy, unlike evolution, DOES have the
ability to accurately predict future events.

It has n o more predictive properties than evolution.

In fact, that is why
scientists believe it. They can accurately predict when a particular
comet will swing closest to earth, when a meteor shower will occur,
when an eclipse will occur, and even when radio communications will be
interfered with due to increased solar activity.

It is our understanding of maths that allow us to do that.

Teaching Ancient History does not have tangible benefits; Agreed.
So is Evolution on the same par with Ancient History? In fact, isn't
that exactly what Evolution is?

No, evolution is a science that helps us understand life on earth.

So not all truly scientific discoveries have tangible benefits to
society, but if they don't, and if they also don't have intangible
benefits, why teach them?

Knowledge and understanding.

Astronomical theories have been disproven over time as new
scientific observations and scientific results come to light. (e.g.
astronomer's once believed that the Sun orbited the Earth, but Galileo
provided scientific evidence to refute that claim)

Why do you accept evolution as fact, without any reservations?

Because of the vast amount of supporting evidence.

(Again, I am solely meaning the theory that all life descended from a
common ancestor? Did you read my above quotes? Have you ever
searched online for scientists, and yes leading evolutionists, who
harbor more doubts than you do? Wouldn't a scientific person try to
hear the arguments AGAINST evolution.

But there are none.

A question to you: Is there any conceivable future scientific
discovery or experimental result that would cause you to conclude that
evolution (the part that says that all organisms descended from the
same ancestor) is false?

No, that part is proven beyond reasonable doubt.

--
Bob.

.

Relevant Pages

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