greybeta | Evolution is a theory, not a fact

For as much of a blah mood I am in, I suppose this next article for my school newspaper isn't too shabby. I know there are some flow problems but my muse is sorrowfully silent at the moment. Per usual, comment away with criticism.

Evolution is a theory, not a fact
Daniel Tu

On science textbooks in the public schools of Atlanta, Georgia are stickers that read, "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered." In a recent court case, five parents and the ACLU challenged these stickers. The Cobb County School District and Board of Education claimed that they promoted tolerance rather than any religious dogma. However, the federal judge declared the stickers unconstitutional. On the basis of the First Amendment, which provides for separation of church and state, the judge reasoned that school district had “improperly entangled itself with religion” by appearing to side with Christian fundamentalists and creationists. The ruling did not decide the difference between fact and theory.

Scientists formulate hypotheses to test them, and they modify their theories based on their results. At one time the prevailing theory held that the Earth occupied the center of the universe. This theory persisted due to the charm of having some divine being place humanity in their rightful spot, the prime location for celestial glory. Religion inspired investigation into God’s creation, yet those investigations would upset its foundations. Galileo came along and shattered the geocentric theory, despite recanting later under the pressure of the Inquisition.

Eighty years ago, a young Tennessee teacher fought the courts for the right to teach evolution in public schools. Through his victory, we inherit the wind of the Scopes Monkey Trial. Evolution has become accepted as science’s best explanation for the existence of mankind. Natural selection and survival of the fittest have become common concepts in the English language. Charles Darwin has become the namesake of an award handed out to people who have graciously removed themselves from the gene pool.

Stickers do not single out the theory of special relativity or quantum theory for failing to be factual. Indeed, those theories do not carry the baggage that evolution does. Since its deepest elements go against the idea of intelligent design, evolution naturally draws the ire of fundamentalists. Many advocate the teaching of creationism as an alternative to evolution. Consideration of other theories would at least spur some critical thinking.

Honestly, the stickers are unnecessary because all science revolves around theory. If we are going to put them on science textbooks, we might as well go the whole nine yards and put them on all textbooks. Any good science teacher should acknowledge the limits of humanity in understanding the world around us. For the overzealous teachers who claim evolution as truth, stickers will have a minimal effect on them.