illuminating science

The more I learn, the scarier it gets. It turns out that Australian Minister for Science, Brendon Nelson, believes Intelligent Design should be taught in schools if the parents wish it. I’m not clear whether he means in science class or “religious education” (an opt out, Christian-only education program that most primary schools take) or some high school equivalent. It’s also not clear what happens if parents don’t wish it - are we talking about a democratic vote here? I’m all for Democracy, bu the popular decision isn’t always the right one - take gay marriage, which I am still flabbergasted to learn was banned in Australian parliament last year. But not all unpopular decisions are right (e.g., slavery, racism, etc…) so how do you decide between them? I suppose we could have an opt out system - that people who don’t want to learn Intelligent Design can go and do some real science, but opt-in would be much better (i.e., attend a Christian school). More thoughts only Australia and ID can be found in the transcript of Catalyst from last night (thanks Jon!)

Either way, I’m feeling mighty frustrated at the moment - like nothing I do is going to make a difference. I’ll just have to trust that the scientists of Australia are going to fight the good fight. It also makes me wonder how we can have a Minister for Science who isn’t a scientist (yes, he’s studied medicine, but that’s not quite the same…) - you really would hope that someone who makes national policy decisions on science knew a little bit about what it was like to be a scientist (*). I have noticed, however, that Brendan Nelson has a webpage, complete with feedback form. Although I suspect that these don’t really reach him, I’m quite tempted to add my two cents.

Anyway, that’s me for the week. Going to try and do some last minute work, then head home for a little peace and quiet!

Update: Instead of doing work, I found a good rebuttal from Australian scientist Mike Archer. It also mentions that an open letter protesting intelligent design being taught in schools and signed by 70,000 scientists and teachers appeared in the paper today. Good stuff! (Also changed the title to something less stupid, though more mundane)

(*) I’m reminded of a quote from Firefly:

Bounty hunter: You ever been shot?
Doctor (goodguy!): No.
Bounty hunter: You oughta be shot. Or stabbed, lose a leg. To be a surgeon, you know? Know what kind of pain you’re dealing with. They make psychiatrists get psychoanalyzed before they can get certified, but they don’t make a surgeon get cut on. That seem right to you?