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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

America's Evolution Denial

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Labels: Science

If you have ever used a computer, talked on a cell phone, visited a physician, or operated a motor vehicle, you have benefited from science. Much of the food you eat, the medicines you use, and so many other things you may take for granted have been influenced by the biological sciences in particular. In addition to being the foundation of the modern biological sciences, evolutionary theory has been more rigorously evaluated and received more empirical support than any other theory from any branch of science. And yet, more Americans endorse creationist explanations for human origins than evolutionary ones (2001 Gallup poll).

The Importance of America's Evolution Denial

America has a long history of religious fundamentalism, and Americans' distaste for evolution is not exactly a new phenomenon. Despite widespread rejection of evolution in the general population, American science has continued to advance to the benefit of all citizens. Why then should this be a pressing concern now?

It is important to recognize that our modern world is becoming increasingly complex, as increased technological prowess is required in one's daily life. I remember making fun of my grandparents for not understanding how to hook up a VCR, but I now struggle to set up some of the high-end HDTV setups. My competence with computers far outstrips that of my parents, but I am confident that many 10 year-olds would blow me away without breaking a sweat.

Increased complexity requires increasingly sophisticated levels of scientific literacy and education, especially if America hopes to compete with the rest of the world in science and technology. The numbers are not encouraging in this regard, as America trails all countries but Turkey in acceptance of evolution. It is also concerning that the percentage of Americans who accept evolution has declined over the past 20 years.

Sources of the Problem

When one considers the sources of America's denial of evolution, the first thing that likely comes to mind is Christian fundamentalism. According to Michigan State University professor, Jon Miller, "American Protestantism is more fundamentalist than anybody except perhaps the Islamic fundamentalist, which is why Turkey and we are so close" (LiveScience).
Far too often, the media, and even many scientists, refuse to point the finger at religious fundamentalism. We are taught that we must respect religious beliefs, and a surprising number of scientists adopt the position that science and religion are two mutually exclusive domains which should not poach each other's subject matter.

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Comments

[doktor-x.livejournal.com]

And yet, more Americans endorse creationist explanations for human origins than evolutionary ones

*bangs head on wall*

Oddly enough, one of the strongest defenses of evolution (and condemnation of creationism) I’ve heard came from the head of the Vatican Observatory, an American Jesuit ^^;

[mothwentbad.livejournal.com]

Yeah, everyone's gotta get all uppity when the same smart people who gave us vaccines and the internet wanna share their ideas about who we are and where we came from. "Love the technology, hate the epistemology" is more like it.

Mutually exclusive domains

[mothwentbad.livejournal.com]

Oh, and fuck you and your good intentions, Gould. Non-overlapping magisteria, my ass. They're mutually exclusive only because one recedes whenever the other expands. If only religion could do as much work for science as science has aided the Catholic church in knowing which passages of the Bible are metaphorical.