An essay, by Kyle Ray
With all this recent talk about intelligent design, maybe it's time I voice my opinion on the subject. I like it. I think Intelligent design is a really intelligent idea. Think about it, it makes so much sense, and it's something that can potentially be embraced by both Darwinist and Creationist. Basically the theory is that the world is so complex that it couldn't have happened by coincidence, there must have been some sort of higher being who started all this. After that, you can believe whatever you want. But, let clarify one point here:
INTELLEGENT DESIGN IS NOT SCIENCE.There is nothing scientific about it. There is nothing to test, nothing to prove, you can't even really call it a hypothesis, because that's an educated guess, and there are no previous facts to support an educated guess. At best it is only a theory.
But, there have been many good theories over the centuries. And by that I mean philosophical theories, religious as well as secular. The Buddhist idea of karma, the Hindu idea of reincarnation, the Jewish idea of salvation through works, or even Socrates' ideas about democracy; all of these have been widely accepted by millions and millions over the years. But, I think it goes with out saying that not one of these should be taught in a science class, none of these theories are formed by using the scientific principles. These theories are formed through critical thinking and reasoning. Of course science involves critical thinking and reasoning too, but the difference is, science can be tested.
With that said, I support the idea of Intelligent Design being taught in schools. However, for previously stated reasons, it should not be taught in a science class. But, it is worth teaching. Not only is Intelligent Design worth teaching, but so are the many other great philosophical ideas that have come before us.
It seems to me, that States should offer philosophy courses in high schools (and maybe somewhere this is happening but, I don’t know of where). When I was a sophomore in college I took Introduction to Philosophy. The class changed me profoundly. I learned and developed new skills that ultimately made me a better student. I learned how to approach situations with logic, I learned how to support my arguments with practical reasoning, as well, I was challenged to think more critically about things I had never taken the time to even consider before. At the end of it I became a better student, and a better person.
Philosophy, we must realize is the root behind, not only religion, but government and science as well. To truly understand what a government is and should be, one must first have an understanding to the various philosophies behind government. And to appreciate science, and our desire and curiosity to control, manipulate and understand our universe, we must realize that the birth of science came from philosophical concepts. Science came from people trying to answer riddles that that seemed unsolvable.
Though religion can be closely tied to philosophy, it shouldn’t raise a problem in the issue of separation of church and state as prescribed in the constitution. Obviously, religion will be discussed and debated in a philosophy course, but the curriculum would not favor any religion over another. Rather it would provide an overview of beliefs of many different cultures. If designed properly, the only way an issue could arise would be in the case of a teacher who strayed from the curriculum too far, and encourage her own beliefs rather than remaining non-bias. But this sort of problem can arise in any class at any time. I remember my 10th grade biology teacher, Mrs. Maclin, “This isn’t true, but I have to teach it anyways,” she said as a disclaimer before starting her section over evolution (which only lasted two days, and was done very half-assed). According to the law, she was not allowed to state her personal beliefs on the subject, but she certainly didn’t get in trouble for it. I can only assume that this sort of thing happens far to often in our public schools. But if the curriculum is devised correctly, and followed properly, the class would provide many positive results.
The average 10th grader is impressionable, inquisitive, and is at an age where they start to ask questions about deeper things which they do not yet understand. In a more conservative atmosphere, these questions could be stifled, and frowned upon. Many still raise their children with an attitude of “just because,” or “if the bible says it, it must be true.” And yet, other youth, when asking these questions in a more ignorant atmosphere, may not find any answer for their questions. Therefore it is necessary to provide an outlet for these questions that, rather than provides answers, provides understanding. In end result is that students will benefit greatly, becoming better students, learning more throughout their schooling, as well as throughout their lives. Studies have shown that a more well educated society is a more productive and less violent society.
I’m not suggesting that philosophy course be mandatory, or that they necessarily be in every school, but they should at least be offered. It would solve many problems, and benefit the society all at once.
