Scientists Confront Intelligent Design and Creationism

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why anyone interested in science and how it is taught, should read this book - Rated
Ever since Darwin published his 'Origin of Species' back in 1859, there has been fierce opposition to the idea that mankind could have evolved by means of naturalistic processes, with creationists insisting that the Old Testament accounts given in Genesis are to be taken literally.

During the latter part of the 20th century, there has been a sustained campaign by creationists to have their ideas accepted as science, and to this end, 'Intelligent Design' was invented as a means of trying to get equal status in the science class-rooms of the US and elsewhere. The main thrust of the argument is that because there are many gaps in what we know of evolutionary theory, evolution itself must be wrong, with the only alternative explanation being that we, the Universe and everything in it, must have been designed by a supernatural being, aka God.

This book, as I've mentioned elsewhere, does exactly what it says on the cover; the first section goes through the history of creationist thought, including the various courtroom battles that have ensued, and explains in detail how the people involved have persistently attempted to mis-represent science, as well as coming up with the infamous 'Wedge' strategy.

Part two comprises contributory essays by some of the leading scientists in their fields, including cosmology, geology, biology, mathematics, physics, and of course, human evolution - in each case the creationist argument is considered and shown to be fatally flawed in each case. Each essay is fluid and coherent, and worth reading as separate papers in their own right.

Part 3, 'Understanding Science' takes a more philosophical look at the battle between science and theism, with a concluding chapter from the editors, titled 'Why Teach Evolution?', and should be compulsory reading for anyone concerned not only with how science should be taught in schools, but for anyone with an ongoing interest in freedom of thought and speech - because given the chance, it becomes apparent from reading this book that creationists would gladly do away with both of these two vital facets of what's left of the civilised world.

You don't need to be a scientist to read and appreciate this book, but it's worth taking the time to sit down and read through the entire book carefully and with attention to detail, which in itself is very accessible to anyone with a passing or indeed detailed interest in science. Highly recommended.