Uncommon Descent Serving The Intelligent Design Community

Massimo Pigliucci a worrisome character from the POV of science education.

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Massimo with an as yet undetermined appendage writes

Education is not about having “kids debate both sides,” since most kids would probably conclude that the earth is flat and at the center of the universe (after all, the sensorial evidence is overwhelming in favor of the flat-earth, Ptolemaic system).

If Massimo doubts that the science establishment can present the evidence for a round earth, like live satellite images, well enough to let children use critical thinking skills to decide if the scientists have made a compelling case, then quite frankly Pigliucci is a worrisome character whose own critical thinking skills leave a lot to be desired.

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Dave, Knowing them they'd turn your idea around on you. Replace 'Hitler Youth' with 'Darwin Youth' and Myers would wet his pants with glee.ellijacket
September 5, 2008
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Myers and Pigliucci only support compulsory public education so long as what is compelled meets with their approval. Imagine their reaction if we were to add, say, military training to compulsory public education. Get their kids up to speed in how to survive in nuclear/biological/chemical warfare situations, how to fire and maintain an M-16 automatic rifle, cover and concealment, overlapping fields of fire, and things of that nature. I bet they'd all of a sudden discover in themselves a fervent belief in being able to "just say no" to compulsory public education. You know, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense to add some compulsory basic military training to public education. Check me on this but I think it's likely that more children choose to become soldiers than biologists. Shouldn't we then prepare them for the former choice equally as well as the latter? DaveScot
September 5, 2008
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I think it's high time I said that people were unhappy after they watched this Kauffman's keynote, that makes it interesting to be put in one topic here, (I was there in the main lecture room of the conference.)abtahizadeh
September 5, 2008
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What worries me is the push to remove parental rights in what they allow their children to be taught. Myers made a comment discussing Palin about this. She believes parents should be able to opt their children out subject areas (evolution for example) they don't want them taught. Myers thought this should not be allowed. That parents should not get a say. I believe Massimo's ideas are there to purposely lay a foundation for the future removal of these type parental rights. It's really a 1984-like idea.ellijacket
September 5, 2008
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From the article I infer that Massimo is an ignorant tool. Why the harsh words? 1- The Executive office does NOT state the education policy. GWB is a Creationist and creation is NOT being taught. 2- Education is NOT about indoctrination of a belief- and the theory of evolution- that is universal common descent via an accumulation/ culling of genetic accidents- is just that, a belief. 3- Massimo should shut up and start putting up- that is actually doing some research to confirm his beliefs. because- 4- That is why ID and Creation exist- because Massimo and his minions cannot support their belief.Joseph
September 5, 2008
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abtahizadeh, thanks for the video links. Kauffman presents some interesting stuff here that is rather close to ID. Somebody with the power, please start a new thread with these links.bFast
September 4, 2008
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Videos of Kauffman in ALife XI, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzulLkfEaq4&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2r-1a-2Osk&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgtEC7vLSvY&feature=related kind regards AMirabtahizadeh
September 4, 2008
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That the earth turns out to a ball is just an example that local trends should not be necessarily be projected past the area where they apply -> Macro Evolution can be opposed along similar lines. Sailors have long known something was up, because they could see the sail of a ship before they could see the whole ship. To some extent, the Cyrenaens simply quantized what Greek sailors had long seen with their eyes. A lifetime land-lubber, for whom a flat world has worked time and time again--say a builder/engineer--would be out of bounds to explain away the persistent witness of a sailor in such matters. But he lives in a world where it matters not a whole lot. We live in a world where a round earth matters. But it matters because it's a frequent enough impression. It's hard to see how you would not see it when taking a high-elevation flight--and it is also persistent enough to the navigators' whose course depends on the curvature of the earth. But also it's used daily in the increasingly-common GPS. See as our capabilities have grown they have broken down the barrier between the seemingly flat earth and the curvature of the earth into a more or less common thing. Of course, it's the power of the negative here which says that projecting a default assumption that works locally to a global scope is problematic. This should be in the arsenal of any student where we represent that we are trying to teach them "critical reasoning". That makes Pigliucci's argument a straw man. "Debating both sides" does not directly imply "concluding" anything. Pigliucci contrasts the idea of a debate with information on each side to one a content-less one where students can "conclude what they think". I am not a proponent of ID, but I see waves of the straw man army when I look at the anti-ID side.jjcassidy
September 4, 2008
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DaveScot @ 11 No I didn't click on the link, I didn't see it at first but it was reasonable for you to assume that I would have so no worries.GCUGreyArea
September 4, 2008
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OFF: Pigliucci vs Dr. Dino: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1eFdUSnaQM&eMaxAug
September 4, 2008
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There isn't any such thing as a "flat earth, Ptolemaic system." Ptolemy's astronomy insist and depends upon a round earth. Trying to combine Ptolemaic geocentrism with a flat earth would not result in a system of any sort. Ptolemy proves the roundness of the earth solely from astronomical appearances (observable by anyone able to travel far enough) and mathematical principles. I studied Ptolemy in a program which systematically disdains use of secondary sources. We indeed debated the roundness of the earth (without recourse to space photos, Magellan, or infallible magisteria) and no one was able to refute Ptolemy's reasoning on the shape of the earth. Besides showing the author's ignorance of Ptolemaic astronomy and scientific history, the comment seems to insist that rational thought on any matter (besides the most pedestrian of sense-impressions) is and should remain beyond the reach of Joe Sophomore. Funny education, that.FallenOffenbar
September 4, 2008
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Dave, As far as there being "many churches in the real world that are on the scientific creationism bandwagon" I would say there are way more than you might think. At least in my area of the US. What cracks me up about teaching creationism in schools is that the main YEC organization out there (AIG) doesn't promote it. They view this as a worldview issue and believe they must start at the grassroots level of changing people's worldview one at a time. Then the truth will filter up. They do believe the controversies of evolution should be taught. No doubt. But the other side sidesteps that issue by attacking the strawman of "creationism being taught in schools." Quotes here. Full article link below. ------ The Post described AiG as an organization that “champions” the effort to teach alternatives to evolution in science classes. We must once again point out to the Post that AiG has never lobbied legislatures, gone to court, distributed petitions, pressured school leaders, or backed political candidates to force creation or intelligent design to be taught in schools. Although AiG does agree with efforts by others to remind teachers that they can legally talk to their students about the grave problems with evolution (academic freedom certainly allows this), we are not an activist organization (or “advocacy group,” as the Post called us). Moreover, and as we have repeatedly told Post reporters over the years, we think it is actually counterproductive to mandate that instructors teach creation or intelligent design in schools. Forcing them to teach something they may not believe in (much less be equipped to teach) will not work, for such instructors will probably teach creation/ID poorly. --------- Full article: http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2006/0822misrepresented.aspellijacket
September 4, 2008
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...if the Darwinian evolution lobby continues to insist that intelligent design is the same as scientific creationism then we in fact do need to teach something in public schools - the difference between ID and creation science...
Of course, this would be the Darwinists' worst nightmare, because then students might actually check out some of the ID literature and discover that they really are being scammed and indoctrinated with unsupported speculation presented as fact and "science." The fact that Darwinists continually equate ID with biblical creationism is a dead giveaway that they know they are attempting to defend what students will quickly realize is indefensible if strong logical and scientific arguments for design are presented. Most students already don't accept blind-watchmaker mythology. Imagine what would happen if they were exposed to Dembski, Behe, Meyer, Denton, et al.GilDodgen
September 4, 2008
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From the article: "Learning critical thinking is not a matter of being exposed to a "fair and balanced" view of everything and be told "you decide." Yet, the eminent naturalist Charles Darwin wrote: "A fair result could be obtained only by fully stating and balancing the facts on both sides of each question..." We as a society understand the importance of hearing both sides of an issue; what would happen to our justice system if only the plaintiff's side were heard in court? Any rational person knows this. Education is being told how to think; propaganda is being told what to think. From the article: "To raise a nation of ignorant bigots whose understanding of the world is no better than that of a tribe of ancient middle eastern people wandering around the desert thousands of years ago?" Oh, please, not this again. I know biblical quotes aren't exactly welcome here, but suffice it to say this: when it touches on science, the Bible is scientific. Clearly, the author of this blog hasn't bothered to read it, which brings me to another question: how can a person negatively review a book he hasn't read? That's illogical. From the article: "That way if you are from Alaska, Alabama, Mississippi or a variety of other places along the Ignorance Belt you can keep falling behind in quality of life and ability to compete in a world where science plays an increasingly central role in our lives." How, exactly, does the Ignorance Belt stretch from Alaska to Alabama? Pathetically worded ad hominem attacks only decrease one's credibility, and the author should know this, since he has a PhD in philosophy. Surely he knows what a logical fallacy is. The author mentions being able to compete in a world beset with newer technologies and I've been wondering, personally, what benefit knowing and understanding Darwinian evolution has to, say, a computer software engineer. If my job is to design software, then why would I even care if my lineage is traceable back to Homo erectus? How does that fact come into play in my daily life while on the job?Barb
September 4, 2008
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In fact, the question put to Palin in a televised debate between Alaska gubernatorial candidates was: Should intelligent design be taught alongside evolution in Alaska public schools? Source: Anchorage Daily News Her answer was:
“Teach both. You know, don’t be afraid of education. Healthy debate is so important, and it’s so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both.”
Naturally, "intelligent design" was immediately replaced by "creationism" and/or "creation science" by the evolution lobby. Because televised debates don't allow the time or space for more thoughtful answers, Palin was asked the next day to clarify her answer. Here is how that went:
In an interview Thursday, Palin said she meant only to say that discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms: “I don’t think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn’t have to be part of the curriculum.” She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state’s required curriculum. Members of the state school board, which sets minimum requirements, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature. “I won’t have religion as a litmus test, or anybody’s personal opinion on evolution or creationism,” Palin said.
One thing is clear, if the Darwinian evolution lobby continues to insist that intelligent design is the same as scientific creationism then we in fact do need to teach something in public schools - the difference between ID and creation science, so that the Darwinists are deprived of their lie that "creation science" and ID are the same thing.DaveScot
September 4, 2008
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jerry Pigliucci didn't mention scientific creationism and neither did Palin. I don't think there are many churches in the real world that are on the scientific creationism bandwagon and thus have no reason to believe that Pigliucci is accusing Palin of being that particular kind of creationist.DaveScot
September 4, 2008
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Dave, I believe the current form of creationism that everybody refers to started in 1961 with the publication of The Genesis Flood: The Biblical Record and its Scientific Implications is a 1961 book by young earth creationists John C. Whitcomb and Henry M. Morris. The authors propose that there is a scientific basis for young-Earth creationism as told in the Biblical book of Genesis. The book is seen as one of the most important in the history of creationism as it popularized the ideas of flood geology. (from Wikipedia) See a comment by Ted Davis at ASA on this topic recently. There were creationist before that time but it didn't really take off till the above book was published. http://www.calvin.edu/archive/asa/200808/0260.htmljerry
September 3, 2008
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What happened to the post above this one? Am I the only one who can't see it anymore?jlid
September 3, 2008
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Palani is speaking at the RNC tonight. In regards to the article.PannenbergOmega
September 3, 2008
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Dave: My only point is that just as flat earth is obsolete with respect to round earth, Darwinism is obsolete with respect to modern ID. Here, I am gambling that, like McCain, Palin and Huckabee are ID and are being called "creationists." If I am wrong about that, then, obviously, my comment loses its relevance. Quite often in these disucssions, Darwinists approach subjects like "specified complexity" and "irreducible complexity" as if they were the scientific equivalent to "flat earth" science, as if they didn't represent what they really are----the solution to Darwinist obsolescence.StephenB
September 3, 2008
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Pigliucci said "creationism". It was the focus, indeed the subject line, of his article "Is Sarah Palin a Creationist?". Palin, like many conservatives, falls on the side of teaching the controversy over chance and design in the origin and diversity of life and letting people decide for themselves what to believe from there. Atheists are of course frightened spitless by this as even with exclusivity in the classroom to teach only their theory of chance they fail to convince many students. Pigliucci tries to use the tired old argument that presenting evidence of creation in contrast to evolution by chance is like presenting evidence of a flat earth in contrast to a round earth. Pigliucci, like many blind chance worshippers, doesn't understand the difference. The evidence for a round earth really is overwhelming and easily taught. Nobody insists on presenting the evidence for a flat earth because virtually everyone, even knuckle dragging bible thumping creationists, acknowledges the overwhelming evidence for a round earth. Pigliucci and scientists like him are frustrated at their own failure to make a convincing-enough case for evolution by chance & necessity that it can't put down creationism as easily as the evidence for a round earth puts down evidence of a flat earth. In other words, the "illusion" of a flat earth goes away upon slightly closer inspection while the "illusion" of design only gets stronger upon closer inspection. That's the difference between illusion and reality - illusions go away, reality doesn't. DaveScot
September 3, 2008
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StephenB How do you figure "Darwinist ideologies" came before creationism?DaveScot
September 3, 2008
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Like most cynics, Pigliucci's attempt at irony backfires because his analogy contradicts his argument. Flat earth and Darwinist ideologies came first, and have become obsolete; round earth and ID sciences came later and are what's happening now. If you are going to lampoon your opponent with historical references, the first order of business is to get hold of your chronology.StephenB
September 3, 2008
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The earth only appears spherical, molecular machines only appear designed. Who is who, now? Travel and observation falsified the flat earth. Observing Metazoan protein codes conserved within Protazoan genome falsified gradulistic Darwinism. Pigliucci = Draper/White.Upright BiPed
September 3, 2008
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The evidence for Darwinian evolution is just as persuasive as the flat earth till one thinks more about it. Survival of the fittest is one of the easiest concepts to understand. It is all around us. It is only when you look at it more closesly that Darwinian macro evolution like the flat earth does not make sense.jerry
September 3, 2008
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most kids would probably conclude that the earth is flat
On what scientific basis does massimo make that assertion. Most kids I've known when presented with the evidence concluded the world was round.scordova
September 3, 2008
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When Dr. Pigliucci says, "the sensorial evidence is overwhelming in favor of the flat-earth, Ptolemaic system", I would agree with him. Now, flat earthers are few and far between. If the sensoral evidence is overwhelming in favor of a flat-earth, why is that? Why have the majority of people abandoned their senses and bought into the round-earth model? The evidence! I bet that us IDers would be quick to abandon our position if we were only shown the evidence establishing that RM+NS explains it all. Why is the scientific community withholding this evidence from us? That is the question!bFast
September 3, 2008
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GCUGreyarea wrote: Part of the purpose of education is to learn established ‘facts’. We teach kids in history lessons that Germany lost world war two, what is the point in getting them to debate ‘Both sides of the argument’? When I did history in high school, one of the big things we studied was the question of who was responsible for the two world wars. I even remember being involved in a debate over whether Hitler was responsible for WW2. It might surprise most people, but there is a serious debate over this subject among historians. I don't suppose that this disproves the existence of historical 'facts'. Rather, my point is that history is really not about learning facts - that is memorisation, and holds no real interest, except perhaps among people given to performing memorisation feats. History is about facts + interpretation. It involves *thinking* about the past - and thinking is impossible without human beings, and their subjective selection of which facts to study (and which to ignore) and their interpretation of those 'facts' always brings with it the problem of biased ways of looking at evidence. Same for biology.andrew
September 3, 2008
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correction on my post #9: "Only those who fear the truth will allow discussions regarding what may or may not be true." I meant to say "disallow." Apologies.toc
September 3, 2008
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GCUGreyArea Excuse me for thinking you clicked on the link above the quote. If you had you'd know who Pigliucci is and the context of the quote.DaveScot
September 3, 2008
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