A short rant about Intelligent Design

I was reading a site containing a letter about Intelligent Design that started as follows:

"I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. I think we can all agree that it is important for students to hear multiple viewpoints so they can choose for themselves the theory that makes the most sense to them. I am concerned, however, that students will only hear one theory of Intelligent Design."

In fairness, this letter is actually a spoof, but the first paragraph here is something I have read again and again in serious communications and it really pisses me off, but perhaps it shouldn't. That's because in this one paragraph is yet another wonderful reason why Intelligent Design should not be taught in science class. The key is this phrase:

"I think we can all agree that it is important for students to hear multiple viewpoints so they can choose for themselves the theory that makes the most sense to them."

Well, I don't agree and neither does the scientific method. Students don't get to choose the theory of thermodynamics that makes the most sense for them. They don't get to choose the theory of gravity that makes the most sense for them. Instead they must learn the theory that actually fits observable reality - the theory that actually fits the evidence.

When students take their physics or chemistry exams they don't get to opt out of Boyles law and instead opt for some theory that makes more sense to them. The idea of option based on preference in science is astoundingly absurd and ridiculously stupid. The job of making a theory make sense to a student is why we have teachers and education in the first place.

I would argue that teaching Intelligent Design in science does not just undermine science education, it undermines education as a whole. The idiots championing Intelligent Design, and yes I do mean idiots, are a corrupting force against all of education by championing the idea that unsupported personal preference, read evidence free bias, is comparable and even more worthy than evidence and demonstrable fact. These dangerous loons need to go back to school themselves and get an education.

If you enjoyed this article please feel free to digg it down below.