Discovery [sic] Institute, R.I.P.

Neither creationism nor Intelligent Design have any support from mainstream science in the United States - they are fringe groups pushing a theological rather than a scientific agenda. Curiously, a recent statement from the Discovery Institute effectively admits this.

Brian Leiter of the University of Texas School of Law makes an interesting observation about a recent press release in which "two dozen professors from seven Texas universities" urge the State Board of Education "to ensure that biology textbooks present both the scientific strengths and weaknesses of biological and chemical evolution."

Who are these two dozen professors? Although by my conservative estimate there are some 300+ biology professors at the seven universities represented--and close to 1,000 at all universities in Texas--only one (yes, one) signed the letter--an emeritus professor of biology at a liberal arts college, Southwestern University. Not to be cruel, but Vicente D. Villa, the emeritus professor in question, is not, it turns out, a significant figure in the field of biology.

So there you have it: biology textbooks are doing such a bad job presenting evolutionary biology that 1 mediocre biologist out of 1,000 biologists in Texas has called on the State Board of Education to remedy the situation. And thanks to the Discovery [sic] Institute, we now know it. Thanks!!!

Brian then goes through to discuss the fields and credentials of the other 11 signers. Defenders of Intelligent Design like to say that the presence of academic debate over the validity of evolution is suppressed, but what counts is scientific debate, not debate and disagreement on the part of professors of journalism and marketing. Of course, since the Discovery Institute isn't pushing science, perhaps they don't really understand that?

Read More:

• Evolution vs. Creationism
• What is Intelligent Design?
• What is Science?