Easy way out: Florida State Board May Label Evolution Standards As 'Theory'

[madfloridian]

I knew it. I am not at all surprised. They have been met with such outrage from the religious community, from school boards. It has gotten so bad here that teachers are fearful of teaching the subject...fear of backlash

I wondered if they would cave in and take the easy way out.


Cartoon courtesy of Kyle Baker Cartoon Week

Just call it a theory and move on.

Fla. State Board May Label Evolution Standards As 'Theory'

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The words "scientific theory of" may be placed in front of the term "evolution" in proposed new science standards the State Board of Education is scheduled to vote on Tuesday.

The option of applying that label to all scientific theories mentioned in the new standards will be offered to the board as a possible compromise, Department of Education spokesman Tom Butler said Friday.
Some opponents have urged the board to label evolution as a theory because they believe it conflicts with the biblical account of creation.

"That sounds like it's a significant step in the right direction," said critic John Stemberger, president and general counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council, an Orlando-based advocacy group.

Well, hell, when even the Florida Citizens for Science are going along...it must be the right thing to do. :shrug:

It's also fine with many advocates of the standards because scientists routinely refer to evolution as a theory although the word has a different meaning in their realm than it does in common usage.

"People are out there trying to mislead by saying it's just a theory," said Joe Wolf, president of Florida Citizens for Science. "This clarifies the issue. It states explicitly that we are talking about a scientific theory."

They really are facing a losing battle here. Guess they should just give in.

"In my lifetime, I've never seen an ape turned into a human." Florida hearing on science standards.

It is so widespread here, the notion that teaching evolution is wrong...that it carries over in the views of some of fellow teacher and others who surprised me lately.

Call it a "theory", and teach it along with the other "theories" like creationism and intelligent design. Easier than having your own monkey trial. :shrug:

[cloudbase]

1. More goodness from Florida.

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/15/St..._trumps_.shtml

[geomon666]

2. I hate this state.

Somebody rescue me.

[Selatius]

3. I live in Mississippi. Be thankful for what you do have going for you.

;-)

[provis99]

5. hmmm, been awhile since I've been back home in Mississippi

I always had the impression in school that all the other students pretty much knew ID was bullshit, and that evolution was just factually correct, no matter what the stupid parents told us.

[mattfromnossa]

10. Well at least the

fishing is good. :toast:

[Ichingcarpenter]

4. I label Florida as a Theory

or a state that represents its anatomical shape.

I lived there and got my BA there (UCF) and I am glad I left.

On edited: Many of the High Schools at that time were not even accredited enough
to get into a decent college anywhere in the nation.

I didn't go to high school there .

[baldguy]

6. Thoery is the correct term.

A theory is a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or natural phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena. Theories are the highest level of science.

[BeFree]

7. Theory of Creationism?

Is not valid, is it?

Must be something in the water down there in Floor-duh.

[baldguy]

9. Creationism isn't a theory. It doesn't fit the definition.

It doesn't explain anything about the natural world. It has been repeatedly tested - and has repeatedly failed. Its useless in making predictions since its not falsifiable, and its not widely accepted.

The best description for creationism is "wishful thinking".

[originalpckelly]

16. Well, it does make predictions that are falsifiable...

but they have been falsified. It is a theory, just one that is not reality based. :P

[madfloridian]

8. Well, someone needs to tell that to the ones who say it is just like creationism..

another theory. Using that language will make it sound like evolution is on the level of creationism an Intelligent Design.

I agree about the higher level definition of theory, but to label it that officially statewide will be very misleading.

[Fire Walk With Me]

11. The next step, of course, is to then call Intelligent Design a "theory" and teach it alongside

evolution, until they simply stop teaching evolution at all. Ooops, can't afford two sets of books this year, something's got to go...

[highschoolgraduate]

12. theory of evolution

To scientists, a theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon. That means to a scientist, the word "theory" means fact - such as the Theory of Gravity. So scientists do refer to the phenomenon of evolution as the "Theory of Evolution." Unfortunately most people think the word "theory" means "hypothesis." It doesn't. So teachers actually can and should refer to the concept of evolution as the Theory of Evolution as long as they explain to their students that the average person is misusing the term "theory." Also next time, someone asks you if you believe in the Theory of Evolution, tell them you can't believe or not believe in evolution. You either understand or don't understand the concept of evolution. Ask them if they know what the word "theory" means.

[The Wizard]

14. Understanding is more difficult than belief.

Hence, just believing in something as opposed to taking the time to study and understand is the lazy way out. Good things don't come easy.
To say, "I believe, therefore I know" has no validity, especially in the halls of academia.
Faith based knowledge is integral for controlling the masses through the great dumbing down that has been aided and abetted by the unholy alliance of government and mass media.

[GOPBasher]

13. Technically speaking, it is a theory.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a former science teacher who despises that the Christian Right is trying to get "Creationism" or "Intelligent Design" taught in our classrooms. I'm just saying that, although I'm a 100% sure that evolution is true, it is technically a theory, scientifically speaking, because one cannot go back in time and directly observe the evolution over the millions of years.

[Irishonly]

15. I have a question

Are the religious right the majority in Florida? I have to admit I don't know any Florida republicans but Florida democrats are thoughtful, intelligent people-at least most of them. How has the religious right gained so much influence? The wing nuts have been at it for years to get creationism taught and prayer back in schools but have been rebuffed. I have a hard time with parents that can't look past their own noses and understand their children have a right to be taught without the influence of right wing Christianity. Religious education belongs in the home and at church.

I remember taking biology in the late 60s and my biology teacher stated he had to present creationism. I went to school in Iowa. I will never forget the lesson. He said something to the effect that God created the world in seven days and if we had any questions to ask our parents or pastors. I don't think he would last long in Florida these days.

As far as the lifetime statement, it would be rude to insult an ape by saying he was regressing.