How is epistemology related to the issue of teaching science and evolution in the schools? Addressing a flashpoint issue in our schools today, this book explores core epistemological differences between proponents of intelligent design and evolutionary scientists, as well as the critical role of epistemological beliefs in learning science.…

Prize-winning scientist and bestselling author James Trefil explains why every U.S. citizen needs to be "scientifically literate" and, therefore, why schools must teach the fundamental principles of scientific literacy to every student. He lays out those principles straightforwardly, so that educators--and everyone who is interested in…

This book describes major events in the history of the creationism/evolution controversy in the United States. While writing these chapters, the author visited key places and museums (e.g., the Scopes Trial Museum, Arlington National Cemetery), interviewed important participants in court cases (e.g., Susan Epperson, Don Aguillard), and studied…

This book provides working examples of how different teachers, scientists, and theologians have dealt with problems of "creation science" versus evolutionary concepts. A 1982 symposia on the topic of science and creation was so well received that the participants were asked to submit formal presentations; this book is a collection of these papers.…

The University of Minnesota organized a conference ("Evolution and Public Education," December 5, 1981) to help clarify issues in the creation/evolution controversy and to examine arguments of the proponents of scientific creationism. This six-part book, a revised version of a resource manual compiled for the conference: (1) discusses the theory…

This book attempts to create a model of the nature of knowledge and its evolution. Scholarly research has been used for this purpose. Chapters include: (1) "The Nature of Knowledge"; (2) "The Nature of Scientific Progress"; (3) "Truth and Falsifiability"; (4) "The Problem with Experimental Observations"; (5) "Scientific Reductionism"; (6) "An…

The creation/evolution controversy can be best thought of as a contest over control of a portion of educational policy. Scientists do not dispute the right of fundamentalist Christians to believe that Genesis is a history and a science textbook. The difficulty arises when fundamentalists seek to bring their sectarian religious faith into biology…

How did life evolve on Earth? The answer to this question can help us understand our past and prepare for our future. Although evolution provides credible and reliable answers, polls show that many people turn away from science, seeking other explanations with which they are more comfortable. In the book "Science, Evolution, and…

Presented in this book is the case against creationist pseudo-science. One theme emphasized throughout the book, written for those with or without science backgrounds, is that although the creationist campaign is an assault on evolutionary theory, it constitutes an attack on all sciences. Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction to evolutionary…

By providing religious grounding in favor of modern science and creating effective strategies for dealing with common creationism arguments, this book is a must-read for administrators and teachers alike. This important resource provides readers with an understanding of the nature of science and the relationship between science and religion. This…

The question of human origin has always been disputed by evolution theorists. This book provides a comprehensive survey of the debates over human evolution from the time of Darwin to the 1940s. Part 1 discusses the early controversies, noting that they focused on philosophical issues rather than causes or details of the evolutionary process. A…

This study explores the complex spectrum of motives and perceptions underlying contemporary criticism of science as expressed in the arena of public education. Part 1 briefly portrays the historical context of present-day disputes, discussing those aspects of the early reaction to Darwinian evolution and its introduction in the school that have…

This book, written by a member of the Louisiana State Legislature (who authored a bill during the 1981 legislative session mandating balanced treatment for creation-science wherever evolution-science is taught to public school children), takes a step toward answering the question: Should the scientific evidences for creation be given equal time…

Views on the place and power of the university, the church's role in the university, and the sciences and humanities are presented. The secularization of western universities raises fundamental criticisms from the Christian point of view that the university atmosphere is not congenial to Christian spiritual values, and that higher education…

The chapters in this book contain a comprehensive reference to recent state appellate and federal court decisions affecting the operation and governance of public elementary and secondary schools. The chapters are: (1) "The Use of School Facilities by Student Groups for Religious Activities," (2) "Denial of Standard Diploma to…