Ignorance out of control
Oy. There's a recent gallup poll which shows some odd results on the acceptance of the theory of evolution versus belief in literal creationism. Some of the results, unfortunately, seem to indicate that the attempt by the "intelligent design" crowd has had its desired result of confusing folks.
Essentially, the polls seem to indicate that acceptance of evolution is a 50/50 proposal, intimately linked, unsurprisingly, with religious belief and behavior. Interestingly enough, another recent poll indicates that only about a third of Americans accept the literal veracity of every bit of the Bible. Unfortunately, the folks who wish to spread disinformation on scientific methods and evidence have been highly successful. Our schools are failing us - barely giving children the basics of literacy, and certainly not real scientific literacy.
How many of the people questioned understand the scientific method? That question wasn't asked. How many of the people asked could explain their beliefs in their own words? That also wasn't asked. Unfortunately, they're questions we need answers to.
Essentially, the polls seem to indicate that acceptance of evolution is a 50/50 proposal, intimately linked, unsurprisingly, with religious belief and behavior. Interestingly enough, another recent poll indicates that only about a third of Americans accept the literal veracity of every bit of the Bible. Unfortunately, the folks who wish to spread disinformation on scientific methods and evidence have been highly successful. Our schools are failing us - barely giving children the basics of literacy, and certainly not real scientific literacy.
How many of the people questioned understand the scientific method? That question wasn't asked. How many of the people asked could explain their beliefs in their own words? That also wasn't asked. Unfortunately, they're questions we need answers to.
Labels: creationism, education, science
posted by Plain Foolish | 7:14 AM
3 Comments:
Oh yes, I saw that Gallup poll the other day. Matt and I discussed it at length. Yes, let's skirt around the issue of science and the ability to grasp the concepts. Let's conveniently leave that factor out. Ignorance is not bliss; it's just ... ignorance. BTW, you've been tagged on my blog.
One of the more revealing statistics might have been opinion correlated to education, as they did with the "literal Bible" question. Having a few more shades of meaning also would have changed some answers, I suspect.
Looks like you've been tagged twice..and I was trying not to do that!
I've long since been suspicious of polls, but since I moved to a small town and know the editor of the local newspaper (and have an idea of how he picks his 'Man on the Street' questions), I'm even more suspicious of the things. Lies, damn lies, and statistics, as the man said...
Post a Comment
<< Home