Intellectual laziness over intelligent design

Dr Matthew Chalmers from the Institute of Physics presents his comments in The Sunday Times of September 11

Dr Matthew Chalmers wrote:

ROD LIDDLE does his best to knock scientists off their pedestals while taking care not to side with the “deadbeat” promoters of intelligent design (Comment, last week). But he goes one step too far. By suggesting that it is reasonable to discuss ID as a possible alternative to evolutionary theory in school science lessons he has sadly fallen into the same trap of so many others in this recent non-debate.

The reason why intelligent design should not be taught in science classes is blindingly simple: it isn’t science. Does Liddle also think that A-level biology should include a short module on the virgin birth as an alternative to sexual reproduction, or perhaps a homework assignment about life after death? After all, millions of people believe in those.

Not wasting any words he concludes

Intelligent design is at best religious-right extremism; at worst, intellectual laziness.

There you have it…