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Should Astrology be Taught in High School?

By: epicidiot.com, Sat Dec 10th, 2005 12:40:40 AM

Would Intelligent Design Proponent Michael Behe consider Astrology a valid high school subject?

Dover, Pennsylvania School Board Court case on the teaching of Intelligent Design

From Oct 18, 2005 Court Transcripts

Michael Behe on whether or nor Intelligent Design is a scientific theory according the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) definition.

Behe: Yes.

Question But when you call it a scientific theory, you're NOT defining that term the same way that the National Academy of Sciences does.

Behe: Yes, that's correct. (p.34)   >Question: And actually you said at your deposition, I don't think intelligent design falls under this definition. Correct? (referring to the NAS definition)

Behe: Yeah, and that's after I said -- if I may see where in my deposition that is? I m sorry. (p.35)

Note: Behe had testified the previous day that the NAS was the most prestigious scientific organization in the United States, so one might suppose their standards are probably relevant. (p.49)

Behe's previous deposition was then entered into evidence.  It stated:

Question: "Let's be clear here, I m asking -- looking at the definition of a scientific theory in its entirety, is it your position that intelligent design is a scientific theory?" And you said, going down to line 23, "I think one can argue these a variety of ways. For purposes of an answer to the -- relatively brief answer to the question, I will say that I don't think it falls under this." (p.35)

When pressed on this issue, he then says that that's not what he intended to say, and that he might argue it either way; but he successfully avoids actually answering the question again.

He then goes on to state that when he calls Intelligent Design a theory, he's using his own broader definition of theory as opposed to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) definition.

When questioned about what qualifies as theory under HIS definition:

Does this mean that if we teach Intelligent Design because it is a valid theory, then using the same definition for theory, we must also teach astrology?

(astrology = predicting the future based on the position of the stars and planets)?

From www.epicidiot.com

See www.epicidiot.com/evo_cre/astrology_high_school.htm for the full article

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