OC: Missouri HB 35: Evolution Targeted

[usregimechange]

Missouri HB 35: Evolution Targeted
HB 35 introduced by Represenative Cynthia Davis states the following:

Section A. Chapter 170, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 170.032, to read as follows:

170.032. All biology textbooks sold to the public schools of the state of Missouri shall have one or more chapters containing a critical analysis of origins. The chapters shall convey the distinction between data and testable theories of science and philosophical claims that are made in the name of science. Where topics are taught that may generate controversy, such as biological evolution, the curriculum should help students to understand the full range of scientific views that exist, why such topics may generate controversy, and how scientific discoveries can profoundly affect society.

This seems to be an effort to introduce creationism into public schools via the law.

More:

http://www.our-conscience.blogspot.com/

[Massacure]

1. Explaining other peoples points of views is a good thing.

Saying other peoples points of views are fact is a bad thing.

It looks like the law is going to teach different scientific views and why they can be seen controversial, however will they do the same with philosophical views? That I believe, is the million dollar question.

[usregimechange]

2. In philosophy class creationsim might be mentioned but in

a biology class, why the hell mention it?

[DBoon]

5. Why not teach phlogiston or caloric in a physics class?

If we are going to give equal time to creationism, why not include all other long debunked scientific theories?

[usregimechange]

6. The world could be flat. I mean don't discriminate! nt

[Massacure]

7. Whoops! It said Biology. I thought it said History.

Creationism shouldn't be mentioned in biology. I can see it being touched on in History (We did five units on religion -- one for each of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism and their effects on history) but Philosophy is where creationism belongs most. I don't think Philosophy is taught at my school though. I'd have to look at the curriculum hand book.

[loyalsister]

8. Believe me that is not the intention here

I know this woman personally. Concerned woman for America, owner of a Christian bookstore, etc.
She is as hard core religious right as they come.

[Endangered Specie]

9. That is NOT so in Science...

I must disagree with that, ("Explaining other peoples points of views is a good thing")... maybe in a philospohy class.

Science is NOT a democracy, what is taught in science must be valid, backed up, and accepted theories and laws, not what anyone wants to just throw in there.

[phantom power]

3. If they want to promote critical thinking, I'm all for it. But what they

want is to promote critical *attitude*, and they only want to apply it to a certain biological model that they find threatening to their egos and their faith.

They come in under the guise of skepticism, but *real* skepticism, applied to *all* facets of life, is anathema to them, and they know it.

[MatrixEscape]

4. Not if science = empricism

Science is not a view, in essence. Creationism can be subject to theology, anthropology, perhaps philosphy, for consideration, but not biology!

That bill is all mucked up. I wonder what the scientific community has to say about that?

Even though I know their arguments, I can't even fathom Creationism or Intelligent Design falling into a scientific classification.

Dark ages coming right up!

[Bigmack]

10. I would looooove to teach....

... "distinction between data and testable theories of science and philosophical claims that are made in the name of science."

I'd find every off-the-wall theory and throw creationism in with them as examples of non-testable and data-less examples of philosophical claims.

My wife and I both taught World History to affluent suburban kids, and we were the only exposure the kids ever got to evolution. The science guys wouldn't touch it. They stayed with the straight biology.

Even in a rich district like ours, some parents objected. Luckily, the Super always backed us, and the community generally was well educated.

[Endangered Specie]

11. Ironic that bill shouldn't change much, my little analysis...

All biology (why not all?)textbooks sold to the public schools of the state of Missouri shall have one or more chapters containing a critical analysis of origins(they do already). The chapters shall convey the distinction between data and testable theories of science (that is evolution, one of the most tested and scrutinized, and one of the most solid)and philosophical claims that are made in the name of science(you mean like creation 'science'). Where topics are taught that may generate controversy, such as biological evolution(why don't we do the same for the holocaust, I mean alot of people claim it was false?), the curriculum should help students to understand the full range of scientific views that exist(when it comes to evolution and origins, there is only ONE view), why such topics may generate controversy(Id say that belongs in a psychology class under why people are stupid), and how scientific discoveries can profoundly affect society.

[Moderator]

12. Source

Blogs are not suitable sources for LBN.
Will move to GD Politics

[Endangered Specie]

13. Wouldn't this belong in GD Regular?

[Astrochimp]

14. Links and info-

http://www.house.state.mo.us/bills051/billist.htm

HB 34 Davis, Cynthia L.
Eliminates the requirement that course materials and instruction on human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases include discussion of contraception methods (LR# 72L.01I)

HB 35 Davis, Cynthia L.
Requires that all biology textbooks sold to the public schools of the state of Missouri have one or more chapters containing a critical analysis of origins. (LR# 180L.03I)

HB 36 Davis, Cynthia L.
Establishes the right of a mother to choose the setting and persons who will assist her in the birth of her child. (LR# 181L.01I)

HB 37 Davis, Cynthia L.
Authorizes a real property tax credit for certain educational expenses in St. Charles County (LR# 73L.01I)

Her contact and info- http://www.house.state.mo.us/bills051/member/mem019.htm
E-Mail: [e-mail]

History-

2004 Legislation Sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Davis
http://www.house.state.mo.us/bills041/spon/spn019.htm

HB907

Prohibits locating sexually explicit billboards within one mile of any state highway.
HB907 -- (LR# 2624L.01I)

Referred: Transportation and Motor Vehicles (H)

HB911

Requires the equal treatment of science instruction regarding evolution and intelligent design.
HB911 -- (LR# 2770L.03I)

Referred: Special Committee on General Laws

HB914

Permits a pregnant woman to determine the final disposition of human fetal remains.
HB914 -- (LR# 3210L.02I)

HB1677

Prohibits a state agency or child-placing agency from placing a child with a person who is in a sexual relationship with someone other than a spouse.
HB1677 -- (LR# 4932L.01I)

HB1151

Prohibits individuals from engaging or participating in human cloning.
HB1151 -- (LR# 2865L.01I)

HEALTH CARE POLICY

Public Hearing Held (H)

HB1194

Prohibits locating billboards for adult cabarets or sexually oriented businesses within one mile of any state highway and prohibits persons under 21 years of age from installing them.
HB1194 -- (LR# 3498L.01I)

TOURISM AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Executive Session Held (H)
VOTED DO PASS




Looks like we need to find someone to run against her, so if you are in her district, you have work to do!!!!!


David

[vet_against_Bush]

15. Example letter , send em' out! nt

My Letter to My "Representative" i.e. HB 35
Our Conscience

Rep. Richard,

I wanted to state my disagreement with HB 35. It is an attempt to have the State regulate the scientific content of Biology text books and mandate specific content on a specific issue. Do not current Bio Texts contain a "critical analysis of origins?" If so what precisely is she looking for? Why should the state mandate that science texts include "philosophical claims that are made in the name of science?" The bill calls for texts when teaching about evolution to include "the full range of scientific views that exist." Now, that sounds nice, but 1) Why just on the subject of evolution, and 2) What constitutes a "scientific view?" Some authors think postmodernism is scientific, although that statement itself seems to be a contradiction.

Look, it is about 95% likely that she wants to introduce creationism into science classes. Now that is fine but she can't just come out and say it can she? Anyway, I am interested in whether you are now more or less likely to sponsor this bill....

Seth Jackson

posted by Seth at 2:07 AM 0 comments

http://www.our-conscience.blogspot.com/

[Baconfoot]

16. Stop badmouthing Philosophy

Philosophy would only be concerned with creationism to the extent to which there are interesting creationist claims or arguments.

So, for example, a creationist argument might be necessary in a philosophical system to fill some gap. Say for example, that in some system there is a problem explaining the regularity of human behavior. That system might fill the gap using regularity imposed by some God. There might be something interesting in the gap or possibly in the recognition of it.

But creationism as a topic has no place in a philosophy class. It wouldn't even have a place in most philosophy of religion classes, let alone in most philosophy of biology classes.

Philosophy is not concerned with nonsense.

[vet_against_Bush]

17. God, am I a bigot or what? Good point though! nt