Sarah Palin, Republican Vice Presidential Candidate

[Xno Kappa]

Theology =/= Science. Debate over.

[Demosthenes11]

lol

it's funniest because you have done nothing but look like a fool while other bring up valid points. put words into people's mouths much?
"YOU SAID THIS"
no i didnt
"WELL BUT YOU SAID THIS TOO"
not really
"MCCAIN IS A DICKHOLE"

[Elmer the Pointy]

I've learned it's best not to get too worked up over what anyone with a politically-based avatar/sig has to say on BG. :D So, maybe I missed this point if it was made.

Although I'm atheist, I thought I'd mention that Creationism can be taught in schools and not necessarily have to butt into the science class. I spent my junior year in Georgia at an Episcopalian high school. They taught straight science in the science classes, but also had a Bible class elective. I had a Christian upbringing and would always reach for the Bible to get me through those long, boring sermons every Sunday. I guess that's why I was interested enough to take the class.

Anyway, we learned about Creationism and debated how to reconcile it with the development of modern science. I still don't believe in it, but it was interesting nonetheless. Maybe Creationism "side-by-side" scientific theories in a Biology class would be a different story, but to me, teaching Creationism in schools does not necessarily have to require that.

[Kuya]

Things that children are tought are decided by academics in the fields, peer reviewed ideas that have stood the test of time, you do not let the children decide what they "want to learn" or "want to believe" evolution is a peer reviewed scientific theory that has almost 200 years of actuall research backing it.

Children are not to decide what is tought to them, no debate on what is tought to them.

What you said come off as saying that there's no room for debate INSIDE of a classroom, which is you know, contradictory to all forms of liberal education where critical thinking and questioning of established beliefs is primordial, that is, if it's functioning properly.

[archibaldcrane]

I really don't recall much critical thinking in my math, science, or social science courses. You just learn what you are taught, and that's what's important.

English or creative writing, sure. There just wasn't much "bucking of the system" in biology - seemed pretty straightforward. Remember, this is high school, not college.

How many 16 year olds could mount an even rudimentary argument against the theory of evolution in any sort of meaningful way?

[Kuya]

I'm not talking about Creationism, i'm speaking in general. And yes, i realize most high schools are completely inept.

[Elvis]

What's this sub-debate about again? The validity of Creationism? Whether it should be taught in schools? Whether the Big Bang theory and Evolution are based in any empirical evidence?

For the last one, look that shit up for yourself. Creationism has no empirical evidence of any kind. The very notion of Creationism is contradicted in it's very spirit by the various scientific advancements/accomplishments throughout history that have disproved OTHER tenets of Religion (in the general sense).

If we start cloning humans or creating blackholes it only further emphasizes that point.

Religion kept people in check back in those olde times and established a value system. That value system has since become obsolete but it's influence is seen everywhere. Everything since then is derivitive. You can separate the comic-book-like nonsense of these religious texts from the genuinely good moral teachings found within them.

After all, isn't that what philosophy is? You can study various ways of thinking and apply it to your life as you see fit. You live your life and develop your own way of behaving/thinking based on your observations and the interactions between yourself and others - whether it's people or 'ideas' or 'institutions'.

So when we talk about Creationism it's not so much a philosophical debate because we're making exceptions for Christianity. It's not about believing in a higher power IN GENERAL it's about believing in a CHRISTIAN higher power. It's ultimately a political debate.

These Creationists have effectively politicized their faith and view Evolutionists and any other scientific teachings - that directly contradict the core tenets of THEIR faith - as a personal attack. They don't give a shit about Islam or Bhuddism or Hinduism. It's about how science contradicts their Christian God - not religion in general.

[Daimen-G]

it's funniest because you have done nothing but look like a fool while other bring up valid points. put words into people's mouths much?
"YOU SAID THIS"
no i didnt
"WELL BUT YOU SAID THIS TOO"
not really
"MCCAIN IS A DICKHOLE"

It's not my fault that republicans aren't worth giving serious argument to

also I really don't know what you're talking about in the first place because I never did anything like that to begin with, but your admonishing response will set me straight, I guess

e: oh, except for the whole "MCCAIN IS A DICKHOLE" line, but then again, I'm just repeating the truth

[Olo401]

The class room is no place for debate.
End

No, I disagree with that as well. Political science, philosophy, and even literature in some cases thrive on debate. Science and math are more quantitative and rooted in fact and theory based on tangible and measurable evidence, and therefore debate is replaced with the scientific method.

Edit: on the topic of education, I wrote this today over on dkos.

oh right, forgot I was a republican

How could you forget that when you have a disgusting avatar that looks like something out of a Photoshop class taught by Karl Rove?

[Olo401]

Oh and all those polls that show McCain close, tied, or leading Obama? They're garbage because they're sampled incorrectly.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/0..._n_125158.html

[Churchill]

I really don't recall much critical thinking in my math, science, or social science courses. You just learn what you are taught, and that's what's important.

English or creative writing, sure. There just wasn't much "bucking of the system" in biology - seemed pretty straightforward. Remember, this is high school, not college.

How many 16 year olds could mount an even rudimentary argument against the theory of evolution in any sort of meaningful way?

Not having discussion in high school and earlier is pretty much the reason most 16 year olds couldn't have a rudimentary argument for or against evolution.

[Churchill]

Also, still wondering who is a republican

[Maxxthepenguin]

Also, still wondering who is a republican

Swampdonkey and maybe Saphiera are probably the only hardcore Republicans who participate.
Then again, Olo and possibly Sera are probably the only hardcore Democrats who participate.

Wait, I forgot about Bingbong. But he's a very forgettable kind of guy, more of an archetype than a real person.

[Churchill]

oh thanks because for some reason people who are really smart think i am

[Maxxthepenguin]

No, you're just a douchebag and douchebags are generally supportive of douchebag politics. I doubt you have party loyalty beyond "hey, who's the doucheyist candidate this year?"

See, I'm a sucker for complex, intelligent thinking and, in my life so far, that has meant aligning with the Democrats. If that changes, I'll change.

[Tyche]

/

[Elvis]

oh thanks because for some reason people who are really smart think i am

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/im...ey-Posters.jpg

[Day]

No, you're just a douchebag and douchebags are generally supportive of douchebag politics. I doubt you have party loyalty beyond "hey, who's the doucheyist candidate this year?"

See, I'm a sucker for complex, intelligent thinking and, in my life so far, that has meant aligning with the Democrats. If that changes, I'll change.

Hi5

this thread is redonkulous btw it's gone down around the bend and back so many times

[Elvis]

Oh

my

science

[Tyche]

And how does Beckwin not get counted into the Hardcore democrat field?