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Two views about how Darwinism stays in place, with but one difference …

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“It is now blasphemy to criticise Darwin.”

Some months ago an American philosopher explained to a highly sophisticated audience in Britain what, in his opinion, was wrong, indeed fatally wrong, with the standard neo-Darwinian theory of biological evolution. He made it crystal clear that his criticism was not inspired by creationism, intelligent design or any remotely religious motivation. A senior gentleman in the audience erupted, in indignation: “You should not say such things, you should not write such things! The creationists will treasure them and use them against science.” The lecturer politely asked: “Even if they are true?” To which the instant and vibrant retort was: “Especially if they are true!” with emphasis on the ‘especially’.- Massimo Piattelli-Palmarini, “It is now blasphemy to criticise Darwin,” Spiked Review of Books Online (26 March 2010)

and

In China we can criticize Darwin but not the government. In America you can criticize the government, but not Darwin.- Jun-Yuan Chen Research Professor Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, The The Wall Street Journal (August 16, 1999)

The difference? Piatelli-Palmarini is allowed to criticize the government. But he is not criticizing the government; he is criticizing Darwin. And he is not an ID supporter.

Spin that, Darwinboy!

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Comments
“Even if they are true?” To which the instant and vibrant retort was: “Especially if they are true!” There is no God, and Darwin is his prophet!hannodb
September 11, 2013
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"now scruffy" works betterIlion
June 15, 2011
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“It is now blasphemy to criticise Darwin.” [singing] O, Sacred Beard, now ruffled with grief and scorn weighed down; ... [/singing]Ilion
June 15, 2011
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I just love quote-mining, especially the ones that drive Darwinians crazy!!!Enezio E. De Almeida Filho
June 15, 2011
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It's an obvious quote-mine.Mung
June 15, 2011
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