intelligent design

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From the National Academy Press:

How did life evolve on Earth? The answer to this question can help us understand our past and prepare for our future. Although evolution provides credible and reliable answers, polls show that many people turn away from science, seeking other explanations with which they are more comfortable.

In the book Science, Evolution, and Creationism, a group of experts assembled by the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine explain the fundamental methods of science, document the overwhelming evidence in support of biological evolution, and evaluate the alternative perspectives offered by advocates of various kinds of creationism, including intelligent design. The book explores the many fascinating inquiries being pursued that put the science of evolution to work in preventing and treating human disease, developing new agricultural products, and fostering industrial innovations. The book also presents the scientific and legal reasons for not teaching creationist ideas in public school science classes.

Mindful of school board battles and recent court decisions, Science, Evolution, and Creationism shows that science and religion should be viewed as different ways of understanding the world rather than as frameworks that are in conflict with each other and that the evidence for evolution can be fully compatible with religious faith. For educators, students, teachers, community leaders, legislators, policy makers, and parents who seek to understand the basis of evolutionary science, this publication will be an essential resource.

Below is the brochure for the book, which is available from the National Academy of Sciences.

The American Freethought interviews Dr. Tyson and looks at the cosmic dust-up that resulted from the demotion of the planet Pluto to dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union.

In this interview with DJ Grothe, Dr. Tyson discusses new developments this week in astronomy which may increase the count of planets in our solar system, reveals why he believes it is likely that there is life elsewhere in the universe, examines Intelligent Design and what he calls stupid design, eloquently explains how parents may foster an appreciation for science in children, and also discusses science education’s real-world economic impact for America.

In this Point of Inquiry conversation with D.J. Grothe, Dr. Tyson explores the popularization of science, the ups and downs of science education, why scientists should be personally motivated to increase public science interest, whether his studies in astrophysics make him more or less religious, the spirituality of the scientific outlook, and other topics that he treats in his new book Death By Black Hole. He also talks about his experiences hosting PBS's NOVA ScienceNow.

In this Point of Inquiry conversation which examines various approaches to informal science education, his experiences teaching science through pop-culture media outlets, and controversies regarding science popularization. He explains his views on the implications of science for religious belief, questioning the strategy of science educators who seem to equate science and atheism. He also recounts the direct influence of Carl Sagan on his professional development.

Jack Mangan's Deadpan interview on my past, present and future.