The philosophy of science says, "We want to investigate what we don't know."
The philosophy of intelligent design says, "There are things we can never know, so we must accept that it's done by God."
There is an arrogance to a science that thinks we can learn everything. I can ask why three times about anything and elicit an "I don't know."
There is an arrogance to a religion that purports that it understands the nature of God.
Nevertheless, throughout human history we have attributed to "God" those things we did not understand, and that seems a definition of God that allows God to remain a constant, but permits our understanding of God to be constantly changing as we push ever farther at the margins of knowledge. I think there will always be something we don't know, and letter writer Eric Harrington is correct; such would be a vital addition to everyone's education.
John R. Dykers Jr.
Siler City
Comments (7)
There is an arrogance to a science that thinks we can learn everything. I can ask why three times about anything and elicit an "I don't know."
What an interesting attitude. It's "arrogant" to actually ask questions and work at finding answers. I wonder if the letter writer would prefer that we stay humbly ignorant?
Posted by Eric | August 16, 2005 3:39 AM
Eric, you and I don't agree on this subject, but I don't think he fairly represented your view (if he even understood what it was himself). I know he didn't fairly represent the ID point of view. The letter is so confusing to the point of being almost incoherent.
Posted by ECUMAN | August 16, 2005 7:37 AM
I wonder if this was the most coherent response they received for publication? {;-)
Posted by eric | August 16, 2005 7:46 AM
was it jim who said "pride is the number one sin?"
Posted by biscuit | August 16, 2005 8:42 AM
Here is an excellent open letter regarding science vs. ID and the need to include in school curricula a specific ID theory, Flying Spaghetti Monsterism.
Open Letter
Enjoy!
Posted by Sam | August 16, 2005 12:11 PM
Sadly, most ID folks I know aren't very appreciative of satire.
Posted by eric | August 16, 2005 12:47 PM
Thanks Sam for enlightening me on FSMism. Kansan students definately need this info in addition to IDism - there is a very good chance that the I in ID is the FSM. The ACLU is definately going to have to weigh in on this one. The rights of FSMists must be protected. I'm going to write to Howard Coble right now, I've heard he is an FSMist - hardcore - it's why he never married - it's a religious obligation to the almighty FSM....Howard is saving himself in the hope that he and the FSM might become one in the flesh. Howard has been instructed by FSM to empty his head of all thought, now that was no problem for old Howard as he hasn't had a thought in his head since he promised to save NC's textile industry. Any way Howard was just about ready to do the do with you know who - when an errant thought popped into his head: why don't we get the troops out of Iraq. Well that had the effect of off putting the FSM and pissing of Karl Rove at the same time. Howard has sought and received forgiveness from the FSM by promising no more thinking and oddly enough Karl was placated by the very same promise. Good luck Congessman Coble may you be well and truly noodled.
Posted by yellowdog | August 17, 2005 2:07 PM