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'Theory' Backs Evolution

Posted on: Wednesday, 23 November 2005, 15:00 CST

By DAVID BLOOMBERG Correspondent

One of the biggest stories in the news recently has been the attempt by some to have "intelligent design" taught in science classes. Kansas went so far as to redefine science in order to force this concept into schools, while other states have put labels on science textbooks, warning that evolution is "just a theory." Both types of actions miss the point of what a scientific theory is.

Moti Ben-Ari, a professor in the Department of Science Teaching at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, counters such misunderstanding in his new book, "Just a Theory: Exploring the Nature of Science" (Prometheus Books, $21).

The main point that many scientists have been making for decades, but that often escapes understanding by the layman, is that calling something a "theory" in science is far different from using the term in everyday language. A scientific theory has stood the test of time and has a great deal of evidence backing it. Gravity, as Ben-Ari points out, is also "just a theory," but creationists have not encouraged students to jump off skyscrapers in response.

Indeed, gravity gets special attention in "Just a Theory." It might surprise people to learn that, as the author notes, "the theory of evolution more than fulfills all of the requirements of scientific 'theoryhood,' even more than the theory of gravitation."

But what about intelligent design, or ID, the latest version of creationism? Ben-Ari details why it fails the scientific theory test. For example, he says, "ID cannot explain why millions of species were created and then became extinct. Even more importantly, it cannot explain 'mistakes' in the design of living organisms such as us. The eye is a classical example of an organ that is supposed to be so complex that it must have been designed, yet our eyes have a serious design flaw in that the blood vessels and nerves are placed on the surface of the retina instead of behind it. ... If you bought a video camera with such a defect, you wouldn't hesitate an instant before returning it to the store. Now it is not as if the designer didn't know any better: Cephalopods (squids and octopuses) have eyes that are 'correctly designed.'"

Also covered are common logical fallacies. One appropriate to creationism is "bifurcation," which is described as "the fallacy of claiming that there are only two possibilities in any situation." Creationists use this one frequently, first incorrectly claiming that evolution is unproven, then saying that because of this, creationism is the answer. Oddly, creationists don't generally suggest that besides teaching about their (generally Christian) origin beliefs, science class also should include the creation stories from Native American, ancient Greek and other cultures. As Ben-Ari notes, "The Raelians ... believe that life on Earth comes from DNA brought by extraterrestrials from outer space." It's a good bet that creationists won't advocate teaching that these aliens are the "intelligent designer."

"Just a Theory" also covers the broad arena of science to provide perspective. For example, it discusses how creationism fits with other pseudosciences, such as astrology and homeopathy, showing why none deserves to be called science. While battles continue in the political arena and letters to the editor, the progress of science is guided by specific rules - evolution meets the requirements of those rules; intelligent design and other pseudosciences do not.

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that those promoting intelligent design will read "Just a Theory" and suddenly see the light - they are, after all, promoting a religious belief, not science. But people in the middle ground who may be confused by the conflicting claims should read this book. It is written without heavy scientific jargon and obviously is intended for the layman.

Readers who take the time will find that they understand the situation much better. They will also find that, as Ben-Ari says, "To brand evolution as 'just a theory' is the finest compliment one can confer on it!"

Source: State Journal Register

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