Intelligent Design / Creationism

Intelligent design is a Christian form of the creation myth which posits the universe is so complex that an intelligence force must be behind its creation. Many Republicans and conservative Christians have actively tried to require this concept be taught as science in biology classrooms as an alternative to the scientific theory of evolution.

Violation of U.S. Constitution
Teaching religious doctrine as fact in public schools violates the First Amendment to the Constitution, which both guarantees freedom of religion and prevents the government from establishing an official religion. As public schools are essentially government operated, religious doctrine cannot be promoted as truth.

Not Science
Science operates using the scientific method. Essentially, a question or hypothesis is formulated which is then tested through observations and experiments. This cannot occur with intelligent design because the hypothesis is untestable in any way, and no data can exist to support it. Because it is not science, it cannot be taught as such. It could, however, potentially be covered as part of a philosophy, comparative religion, or current events course - but it has no place in a science classroom.

Evolution is Theory, not Hypothesis
Often Republicans and conservative Christians deride evolution as "just a theory." They get away with this for two reasons:
 * In everyday language a "theory" is just an idea.
 * The word "theory" has different meanings based on context. In everyday language the word is used freely to signifiy an idea. However, a scientific theory is supported through observations and experimental evidence. Various concepts and scientific laws can be used to analyze and draw conclusions.


 * Many people have little background in science.
 * Because of limited scientific background, many are unfamiliar with the concept of a scientific theory. Thus, when someone says evolution is "just a theory" that implies evolution is simply an idea without evidence to support it. However, in science an idea is a hypothesis. Evolution is not a hypothesis.

Evolution Observed
Evolution of microorganisms, bacteria, and other smaller forms of life have been directly observed in the laboratory and field. Larger organisms have evolved as well, as can be shown by analyzing their remains. The concept of island biogeography has also proven important in the theory of evolution.