Deepak Chopra's Anti-Evolution Nuttiness

Saturday August 27, 2005

Usually we only find religious conservatives attacking evolution. Attacks on evolution may sometimes be motivated by conservative religious beliefs, but in the end opposition to evolution is fueled most of all by an inability to think clearly and coherently. This is demonstrated by left-leaning anti-evolutionists, like Deepak Chopra.

PZ Myers critiques Deepak Chopra’s most recent anti-evolution commentary, concluding:

Deepak Chopra is a disgrace to the medical profession. That he peddles snake oil is bad enough, but this article of his also shows how deeply stupid the man is.

I caught a few minutes of this smug fraud on Larry King tonight—I just about threw a shoe through the screen. How did this guy get a medical degree, specialize in neuroendocrinology, and become chief of staff at a regional medical center while being so poorly educated that he can argue about pulmonary function requiring that an oxygen molecule acquire intelligence? I feel like I’m going to have to give my doctor a test in basic physiology on my next visit before I can trust her.

I have to agree: Deepak Chopra is a disgrace, but not just to the medical profession. He’s a disgrace to anyone and everyone who values science and clear thinking. Carl Zimmer even catches him talking about how photons could be conscious. Photos that are conscious?

Well, I guess that such views can’t be surprising when Chopra regurgitates so many standard anti-evolution arguments that have all been refuted a million times. Deepak Chopra either didn’t do any research before opening his mouth or, if he did, he didn’t understand any of it. It really is a wonder that he was able to get a medical degree. If a person lacking the most rudimentary critical thinking skills can manage it, then Myers may be right to be worried about his own physician.

Sekptico has more on Deepak Chopra’s insistence on saying ridiculous things.

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