-- DEBATE March 15 --
INTELLIGENT DESIGN SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Christopher Phelan, Chairman
Marianne Stebbins Beck, Secretary
Larry Colson, Chief Whip
Roger Belfay, Chancellor
MARCH 15, 2006
“When you see a sundial or a waterclock, you see that it tells the time by design and not by chance. How then can you imagine that the universe as a whole is devoid of purpose and intelligence, when it embraces everything, including these artifacts themselves and their artificers.”
— Cicero
COMPLEX SYSTEMS IMPLY A DESIGNER. Protein functions, blood clotting, and bacteria flagellum are not random miracles. Theologian William Paley wrote, that upon finding a pocket watch in a field, one would reason “that the watch must have had a maker; that there must have existed . . . an artificer or artificers who formed it for the purpose which we find it actually to answer; who comprehended its construction, and designed its use.”
Intelligent Design is religion-neutral and does not address creationism specifically, nor does it say anything about the Bible. ID merely states that one (or more) intelligent designer must exist. The teaching of such a theory, especially when presented as a mere alternative to a theory of evolution, simply does not constitute a violation of the First Amendment in establishing a religion.
ON THE OTHER HAND, most scientists disagree with any form of intelligent design theory and have long accepted Darwinism. The survival of the fittest is an ongoing process, explaining the extinction of some species and the improvement of others, notably the human race (excepting the results of the welfare state). The marvels of modern medicine itself are a triumph of natural selection. The battle over evolution vs. intelligent design remains a religious war, and the real solution lies in the separation of school and state.
The chairman, an arguably intelligent man with designs of his own, has called for a debate to settle the question:
RESOLVED: Intelligent Design Should Be Taught In Public Schools.
The Debate will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2004 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 204-5615 or the Secretary at (952) 470-8090.
http://www.johnadamssociety.org/
Marianne Stebbins Beck, Secretary
Larry Colson, Chief Whip
Roger Belfay, Chancellor
MARCH 15, 2006
“When you see a sundial or a waterclock, you see that it tells the time by design and not by chance. How then can you imagine that the universe as a whole is devoid of purpose and intelligence, when it embraces everything, including these artifacts themselves and their artificers.”
— Cicero
COMPLEX SYSTEMS IMPLY A DESIGNER. Protein functions, blood clotting, and bacteria flagellum are not random miracles. Theologian William Paley wrote, that upon finding a pocket watch in a field, one would reason “that the watch must have had a maker; that there must have existed . . . an artificer or artificers who formed it for the purpose which we find it actually to answer; who comprehended its construction, and designed its use.”
Intelligent Design is religion-neutral and does not address creationism specifically, nor does it say anything about the Bible. ID merely states that one (or more) intelligent designer must exist. The teaching of such a theory, especially when presented as a mere alternative to a theory of evolution, simply does not constitute a violation of the First Amendment in establishing a religion.
ON THE OTHER HAND, most scientists disagree with any form of intelligent design theory and have long accepted Darwinism. The survival of the fittest is an ongoing process, explaining the extinction of some species and the improvement of others, notably the human race (excepting the results of the welfare state). The marvels of modern medicine itself are a triumph of natural selection. The battle over evolution vs. intelligent design remains a religious war, and the real solution lies in the separation of school and state.
The chairman, an arguably intelligent man with designs of his own, has called for a debate to settle the question:
RESOLVED: Intelligent Design Should Be Taught In Public Schools.
The Debate will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2004 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 204-5615 or the Secretary at (952) 470-8090.
http://www.johnadamssociety.org/
posted by festivus | 2/27/2006 03:47:00 PM
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