Center for Inquiry – “We’re in big trouble!”

My title paraphrases, their message, but I think it’s a reasonable summary. Interesting tidbits:

the resilience of anti-evolution movements is supported not only by religious dogmatism but also by the abysmal public ignorance of basic scientific principles. Consider these facts:

  • A recent poll by the Pew Research Center revealed that 64% of Americans are open to the idea of teaching intelligent design or creationism in public schools.
  • Some 42% totally reject evolution or believe that present forms of life existed since the beginning of time.
  • 38% would teach only creationism instead of evolutionary theory.
  • Only 26% agree with the predominant scientific view that life evolved by processes of natural selection without the need for divine intervention.
  • The percentage of individuals who accept the theory of evolution is lower in the United States than in any other developed country, with the exception of Turkey.

Recent polls have illustrated other instances of scientific illiteracy:

  • 20% of Americans think that the Sun revolves about the Earth
  • Only 10% know what radiation is
  • Less than one-third can identify DNA as a key to heredity
  • In the U.S., twelfth grade students scored lower than the average of students in 21 other countries in science and math.

We think that these dismal facts portend a clear and present danger to the role of science in the U.S.

I’m inclined to agree. Sometimes I forget, because I’m surrounded by fantastically smart and well-educated scientists for most of my waking hours. Please, don’t forget the challenges we face. Don’t let this bullshit slide.

2 thoughts on “Center for Inquiry – “We’re in big trouble!”

  1. Alex

    These bad ideas came in the same way that people identify with coke over pepsi or nike over reebok. I’m not sure what that means as far as fixing the problem, but I’m pretty sure of that much.

  2. brock Post author

    The most surprising to me was the one about the sun going around the earth. 20% !! I can barely fathom how that got to be the case. The rest I can see what you’re staying.

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