Difference between revisions of "Creationism among British scientists"
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===Creation - letter to the UK Government from scientists=== | ===Creation - letter to the UK Government from scientists=== | ||
| − | + | <p>The Rt Hon Estelle Morris, MP<br /> | |
| − | + | Secretary of State for Education and Skills</p> | |
| − | + | <p>copies to:</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Sir William Stubbs, Chairman QCA<br /> | |
| − | + | Mr Mike Tomlinson, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, Ofsted<br /> | |
| − | + | Mr Andrew Adonis, Policy Unit</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Dear Secretary of State</p> | |
| − | + | <p>TEACHING OF ORIGINS IN SCHOOLS</p> | |
| − | + | <p>The undersigned academics, scientists and educationists are deeply concerned | |
| − | + | that the reasonable position taken by the QCA in National Curriculum science | |
| − | + | and by Ofsted concerning the teaching of origins at secondary level has | |
| − | + | been challenged. (We write as a group of individuals and consequently the | |
| − | + | views expressed do not necessarily represent the view of those organisations | |
| − | + | with which we are associated).</p> | |
| − | + | <p>The National Curriculum requires that Darwinian evolution is put across | |
| − | + | as the dominant scientific theory but also requires that pupils are taught | |
| − | + | "how scientific controversies can result from different ways of interpreting | |
| − | + | empirical data". Science should be taught with the critical appraisal | |
| − | + | of alternative theories. Such debate concerning opposing theories provides | |
| − | + | rigour in scientific method and contributes to the development of critical | |
| − | + | thinking by pupils.</p> | |
| − | + | <p>We find it most inappropriate that some well-meaning scientists have given | |
| − | + | the impression that there can only be one scientific view concerning origins. | |
| − | + | By doing so they are going way beyond the limits of empirical science which | |
| − | + | has to recognise, at the very least, severe limitations concerning origins. | |
| − | + | No one has proved experimentally the idea that large variations can emerge | |
| − | + | from simpler life forms in an unbroken ascendancy to man. A large body | |
| − | + | of scientific evidence in biology, geology and chemistry, as well as the | |
| − | + | fundamentals of information theory, strongly suggest that evolution is not | |
| − | + | the best scientific model to fit the data that we observe.</p> | |
| − | + | <p>We ask therefore that, where schools so choose, you ensure an open and | |
| − | + | honest approach to this subject under the National Curriculum, at the same | |
| − | + | time ensuring that the necessary criteria are maintained to deliver a rigorous | |
| − | + | education.</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Yours sincerely</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Andy McIntosh DSc, FIMA, CMath, FInstE, CEng<br /> | |
| − | + | Professor of Thermodynamics and Combustion Theory, University of Leeds<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Emeritus Professor, University of Leeds<ref>https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/46/professor-andy-mcintosh webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Edgar Andrews BSc, PhD, DSc, FInstP, FIM, CEng, CPhys.<br /> | |
| − | + | Emeritus Professor of Materials Science, University of London.<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Emeritus Professor, Queen Mary University of London<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Andrews webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>David Back BSc, PhD<br /> | |
| − | + | Professor of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Emeritus Professor, Liverpool University<ref>https://www.virology-education.com/david-back-phd/ webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Stuart Burgess BSc, PhD, CEng, MIMechE<br /> | |
| − | + | Reader in Engineering Design, University of Bristol<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Professor, Bristol University<ref>https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/persons/stuart-c-burgess(d9aa408b-265a-46e0-9446-b3d77d3477dc).html webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: James Clayton Prize 2019, IMechE<ref>https://www.imeche.org/careers-education/scholarships-and-awards/prestige-awards/James-Clayton-Prize/2019-james-clayton-prize-professor-stuart-burgess webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Sylvia Baker BSc, MSc<br /> | |
| − | + | Head, Trinity Christian School, Stalybridge</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Nancy Darrall BSc, MSc, PhD, MIBiol<br /> | |
| − | + | formerly Research Officer, Central Electricity Generating Board</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Graham Everest BSc, PhD <br /> | |
| − | + | Professor of Mathematics, University of East Anglia</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Ian Fuller BSc, PhD <br /> | |
| − | + | Lecturer in Physical Geography, Northumbria University<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Professor and Associate Dean Research, Massey University, NZ<ref>https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=543830 webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Nick Fuller BSc, PhD <br /> | |
| − | + | Post-doctoral research (Molecular Biology), University of Warwick</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Colin Garner BTech, BEng, PhD, CEng, MIMechE, MSAE <br /> | |
| − | + | Reader (Applied Thermodynamics), University of Loughborough<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Professor, Loughborough University<ref>https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/meme/staff/colin-garner/ webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Paul Garner BSc, MIInfSc, FGS <br /> | |
| − | + | Senior Information Scientist, Cambridge Science Park</p> | |
| − | + | <p>D B Gower BSc, PhD, DSc, CChem, FRSC, CBiol, FIBiol<br /> | |
| − | + | Emeritus Professor of Steroid Biochemistry, University of London</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Terry Hamblin MB, ChB, DM, FRCP, FRCPath<br /> | |
| − | + | Professor of Immunohaematology, University of Southampton</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Arthur Jones BSc, MEd, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol<br /> | |
| − | + | Science Education Consultant</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Nigel Jones MS, FRCS<br /> | |
| − | + | Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Geoffrey Lewis MA, FSA, FMA, HonFMA<br /> | |
| − | + | formerly Director of Museum Studies, University of Leicester,<br /> | |
| − | + | past President, International Council of Museums</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Derek Linkens BSc(Eng), MSc, PhD, DSc(Eng), ACGI, CEng, FIEE, FInstMC<br /> | |
| − | + | Research Professor in Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, formerly | |
| − | + | Dean of Engineering, University of Sheffield, past President, Institute | |
| − | + | of Measurement and Control<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Emeritus Professor, Sheffield University<ref>https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/acse/people/dal webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Jeff Lowe MSc, MCGI, DMS<br /> | |
| − | + | formerly Principal Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University</p> | |
| − | + | <p>John Peet BSc, MSc, PhD, CChem, FRSC<br /> | |
| − | + | formerly Science Coordinator, Guildford College of Further and Higher Education</p> | |
| − | + | <p>David Rosevear PhD, CChem, FRSC<br /> | |
| − | + | formerly Senior Lecturer, University of Portsmouth</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Nigel Robinson BSc, PhD<br /> | |
| − | + | Post-doctoral research, University of Leicester (Currently teaching Chemistry)</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Stephen Taylor BSc, MEng, PhD, ACGI, MIEE<br /> | |
| − | + | Reader in Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Professor, Liverpool University<ref>https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/electrical-engineering-and-electronics/staff/stephen-taylor/ webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>David Tyler BSc, MSc, PhD, CertEd, MinstP, CPhys, ACFI<br /> | |
| − | + | Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Professor, Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University<ref>https://fashioninstitute.mmu.ac.uk/staff/profile/?id=1325 webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>David Walton BSc, PhD<br /> | |
| − | + | Visiting Lecturer, Dept of Computer Science, University of Durham<br /> | |
| − | + | Information Systems Consultant</p> | |
| − | + | <p>David Watts PhD, FRSC, FInstP, FADM<br /> | |
| − | + | Professor of Dental Biomaterials Science, University of Manchester Dental | |
| − | + | School<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Professor, Manchester University<ref>http://www.cmbm.unipd.it/members/pages/Watts%20Uni%20Manchester/DavidWatts_UniManchester.htm webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Tim Wells BSc, PhD<br /> | |
| − | + | Lecturer in Neuroscience, University of Cardiff<br /> | |
| − | + | [2020: Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University<ref>https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/81311-wells-tim webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.</ref>.]</p> | |
| − | + | <p>Bill Worraker BSc, PhD<br /> | |
| − | + | Senior (Software) Development Engineer, Hyprotech UK</p> | |
==Quotes== | ==Quotes== | ||
Revision as of 21:18, 2 January 2020
| Creationism among British scientists | |
| RELATED TOPICS |
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| SERMONS, ESSAYS AND OPINIONS |
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| CONTENTS | |
The intellectual credibility of creationism is indicated by the list of twenty seven signatories to the following letter, which was sent[1] to the UK government in 2002. Twenty years on, ten of the signatories are Professors or Emeritus Professors.
Creation - letter to the UK Government from scientists
The Rt Hon Estelle Morris, MP
Secretary of State for Education and Skills
copies to:
Sir William Stubbs, Chairman QCA
Mr Mike Tomlinson, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, Ofsted
Mr Andrew Adonis, Policy Unit
Dear Secretary of State
TEACHING OF ORIGINS IN SCHOOLS
The undersigned academics, scientists and educationists are deeply concerned that the reasonable position taken by the QCA in National Curriculum science and by Ofsted concerning the teaching of origins at secondary level has been challenged. (We write as a group of individuals and consequently the views expressed do not necessarily represent the view of those organisations with which we are associated).
The National Curriculum requires that Darwinian evolution is put across as the dominant scientific theory but also requires that pupils are taught "how scientific controversies can result from different ways of interpreting empirical data". Science should be taught with the critical appraisal of alternative theories. Such debate concerning opposing theories provides rigour in scientific method and contributes to the development of critical thinking by pupils.
We find it most inappropriate that some well-meaning scientists have given the impression that there can only be one scientific view concerning origins. By doing so they are going way beyond the limits of empirical science which has to recognise, at the very least, severe limitations concerning origins. No one has proved experimentally the idea that large variations can emerge from simpler life forms in an unbroken ascendancy to man. A large body of scientific evidence in biology, geology and chemistry, as well as the fundamentals of information theory, strongly suggest that evolution is not the best scientific model to fit the data that we observe.
We ask therefore that, where schools so choose, you ensure an open and honest approach to this subject under the National Curriculum, at the same time ensuring that the necessary criteria are maintained to deliver a rigorous education.
Yours sincerely
Andy McIntosh DSc, FIMA, CMath, FInstE, CEng
Professor of Thermodynamics and Combustion Theory, University of Leeds
[2020: Emeritus Professor, University of Leeds[2].]
Edgar Andrews BSc, PhD, DSc, FInstP, FIM, CEng, CPhys.
Emeritus Professor of Materials Science, University of London.
[2020: Emeritus Professor, Queen Mary University of London[3].]
David Back BSc, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool
[2020: Emeritus Professor, Liverpool University[4].]
Stuart Burgess BSc, PhD, CEng, MIMechE
Reader in Engineering Design, University of Bristol
[2020: Professor, Bristol University[5].]
[2020: James Clayton Prize 2019, IMechE[6].]
Sylvia Baker BSc, MSc
Head, Trinity Christian School, Stalybridge
Nancy Darrall BSc, MSc, PhD, MIBiol
formerly Research Officer, Central Electricity Generating Board
Graham Everest BSc, PhD
Professor of Mathematics, University of East Anglia
Ian Fuller BSc, PhD
Lecturer in Physical Geography, Northumbria University
[2020: Professor and Associate Dean Research, Massey University, NZ[7].]
Nick Fuller BSc, PhD
Post-doctoral research (Molecular Biology), University of Warwick
Colin Garner BTech, BEng, PhD, CEng, MIMechE, MSAE
Reader (Applied Thermodynamics), University of Loughborough
[2020: Professor, Loughborough University[8].]
Paul Garner BSc, MIInfSc, FGS
Senior Information Scientist, Cambridge Science Park
D B Gower BSc, PhD, DSc, CChem, FRSC, CBiol, FIBiol
Emeritus Professor of Steroid Biochemistry, University of London
Terry Hamblin MB, ChB, DM, FRCP, FRCPath
Professor of Immunohaematology, University of Southampton
Arthur Jones BSc, MEd, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol
Science Education Consultant
Nigel Jones MS, FRCS
Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne
Geoffrey Lewis MA, FSA, FMA, HonFMA
formerly Director of Museum Studies, University of Leicester,
past President, International Council of Museums
Derek Linkens BSc(Eng), MSc, PhD, DSc(Eng), ACGI, CEng, FIEE, FInstMC
Research Professor in Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, formerly
Dean of Engineering, University of Sheffield, past President, Institute
of Measurement and Control
[2020: Emeritus Professor, Sheffield University[9].]
Jeff Lowe MSc, MCGI, DMS
formerly Principal Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University
John Peet BSc, MSc, PhD, CChem, FRSC
formerly Science Coordinator, Guildford College of Further and Higher Education
David Rosevear PhD, CChem, FRSC
formerly Senior Lecturer, University of Portsmouth
Nigel Robinson BSc, PhD
Post-doctoral research, University of Leicester (Currently teaching Chemistry)
Stephen Taylor BSc, MEng, PhD, ACGI, MIEE
Reader in Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool
[2020: Professor, Liverpool University[10].]
David Tyler BSc, MSc, PhD, CertEd, MinstP, CPhys, ACFI
Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University
[2020: Professor, Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University[11].]
David Walton BSc, PhD
Visiting Lecturer, Dept of Computer Science, University of Durham
Information Systems Consultant
David Watts PhD, FRSC, FInstP, FADM
Professor of Dental Biomaterials Science, University of Manchester Dental
School
[2020: Professor, Manchester University[12].]
Tim Wells BSc, PhD
Lecturer in Neuroscience, University of Cardiff
[2020: Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University[13].]
Bill Worraker BSc, PhD
Senior (Software) Development Engineer, Hyprotech UK
Quotes
References
- ↑ Dean C, "Let's Teach Science Pupils How To Think", Times Educational Supplement, 26 April 2002.
- ↑ https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/46/professor-andy-mcintosh webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Andrews webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://www.virology-education.com/david-back-phd/ webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/persons/stuart-c-burgess(d9aa408b-265a-46e0-9446-b3d77d3477dc).html webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://www.imeche.org/careers-education/scholarships-and-awards/prestige-awards/James-Clayton-Prize/2019-james-clayton-prize-professor-stuart-burgess webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=543830 webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/meme/staff/colin-garner/ webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/acse/people/dal webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/electrical-engineering-and-electronics/staff/stephen-taylor/ webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://fashioninstitute.mmu.ac.uk/staff/profile/?id=1325 webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ http://www.cmbm.unipd.it/members/pages/Watts%20Uni%20Manchester/DavidWatts_UniManchester.htm webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
- ↑ https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/81311-wells-tim webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.
Links
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