Difference between revisions of "Creationism among British scientists"

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m (Just "corrected" the capitalization of he category "Creation science, Intelligent design and Evolution" (which seems to be capitalised differently from the webpage of that name).)
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<!--- Creation - letter to the UK Government from scientists
 
<!--- Creation - letter to the UK Government from scientists
−
At 2002, 8 were Prof.
+
At 2002, 8 were Prof. and 3 were Reader.
−
At 2020, 10 are Prof.
 
−
[OR] Interest in creationism amongst British scientists  can be gauged from the list
 
 
     <p>[In 2002, a letter signed by 27 British scientists and educators  
 
     <p>[In 2002, a letter signed by 27 British scientists and educators  
 
       was sent to the UK Secretary of State for Education, Estelle Morris.
 
       was sent to the UK Secretary of State for Education, Estelle Morris.
Line 17: Line 15:
 
====================================
 
====================================
 
---->
 
---->
−
===[[Creation - letter to the UK Government from scientists]]===
+
<p>The intellectual credibility of creationism is indicated by the list of twenty seven signatories to the following letter, which was sent<ref>Dean C, "Let's Teach Science Pupils How To Think", Times Educational Supplement, 26 April 2002.</ref> to the UK government in 2002.  Eight were professors and three were readers.
  
−
<p>The intellectual credibility of creationism is indicated by the list of twenty seven signatories to the following letter, which was sent[ref TES] 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===
  
−
    <p>The Rt Hon Estelle Morris, MP<br />
+
<p>The Rt Hon Estelle Morris, MP<br />
−
      Secretary of State for Education and Skills</p>
+
Secretary of State for Education and Skills</p>
−
    <p>copies to:</p>
+
<p>copies to:</p>
−
    <p>Sir William Stubbs, Chairman QCA<br />
+
<p>Sir William Stubbs, Chairman QCA<br />
−
      Mr Mike Tomlinson, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, Ofsted<br />
+
Mr Mike Tomlinson, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, Ofsted<br />
−
      Mr Andrew Adonis, Policy Unit</p>
+
Mr Andrew Adonis, Policy Unit</p>
−
    <p>Dear Secretary of State</p>
+
<p>Dear Secretary of State</p>
−
    <h3>Teaching of Origins in Schools</h3>
+
<p>TEACHING OF ORIGINS IN SCHOOLS</p>
−
    <p>The undersigned academics, scientists and educationists are deeply concerned  
+
<p>The undersigned academics, scientists and educationists are deeply concerned  
−
      that the reasonable position taken by the QCA in National Curriculum science  
+
that the reasonable position taken by the QCA in National Curriculum science  
−
      and by Ofsted concerning the teaching of origins at secondary level has  
+
and by Ofsted concerning the teaching of origins at secondary level has  
−
      been challenged.  (We write as a group of individuals and consequently the  
+
been challenged.  (We write as a group of individuals and consequently the  
−
      views expressed do not necessarily represent the view of those organisations  
+
views expressed do not necessarily represent the view of those organisations  
−
      with which we are associated).</p>
+
with which we are associated).</p>
−
    <p>The National Curriculum requires that Darwinian evolution is put across  
+
<p>The National Curriculum requires that Darwinian evolution is put across  
−
      as the dominant scientific theory but also requires that pupils are taught  
+
as the dominant scientific theory but also requires that pupils are taught  
−
      &quot;how scientific controversies can result from different ways of interpreting  
+
&quot;how scientific controversies can result from different ways of interpreting  
−
      empirical data&quot;. Science should be taught with the critical appraisal  
+
empirical data&quot;. Science should be taught with the critical appraisal  
−
      of alternative theories. Such debate concerning opposing theories provides  
+
of alternative theories. Such debate concerning opposing theories provides  
−
      rigour in scientific method and contributes to the development of critical  
+
rigour in scientific method and contributes to the development of critical  
−
      thinking by pupils.</p>
+
thinking by pupils.</p>
−
    <p>We find it most inappropriate that some well-meaning scientists have given  
+
<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.   
+
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  
+
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.   
+
has to recognise, at the very least, severe limitations concerning origins.   
−
      No one has proved experimentally the idea that large variations can emerge  
+
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  
+
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  
+
of scientific evidence in biology, geology and chemistry, as well as the  
−
      fundamentals of information theory, strongly suggest that evolution is not  
+
fundamentals of information theory, strongly suggest that evolution is not  
−
      the best scientific model to fit the data that we observe.</p>
+
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  
+
<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  
+
honest approach to this subject under the National Curriculum, at the same  
−
      time ensuring that the necessary criteria are maintained to deliver a rigorous  
+
time ensuring that the necessary criteria are maintained to deliver a rigorous  
−
      education.</p>
+
education.</p>
−
    <p>Yours sincerely</p>
+
<p>Yours sincerely</p>
−
    <p>Andy McIntosh DSc, FIMA, CMath, FInstE, CEng<br />
+
<p>Andy McIntosh DSc, FIMA, CMath, FInstE, CEng<br />
−
      Professor of Thermodynamics and Combustion Theory, University of Leeds<br />
+
Professor of Thermodynamics and Combustion Theory, University of Leeds</p>
−
      [2020:  Emeritus Professor, University of Leeds, https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/46/professor-andy-mcintosh webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
+
<p>Edgar Andrews BSc, PhD, DSc, FInstP, FIM, CEng, CPhys.<br />
−
    <p>Edgar Andrews BSc, PhD, DSc, FInstP, FIM, CEng, CPhys.<br />
+
Emeritus Professor of Materials Science, University of London.</p>
−
      Emeritus Professor of Materials Science, University of London.<br />
+
<p>David Back BSc, PhD<br />
−
      [2020:  Emeritus Professor, Queen Mary University of London, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Andrews webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
+
Professor of Pharmacology &amp; Therapeutics, University of Liverpool</p>
−
    <p>David Back BSc, PhD<br />
+
<p>Stuart Burgess BSc, PhD, CEng, MIMechE<br />
−
      Professor of Pharmacology &amp; Therapeutics, University of Liverpool<br />
+
Reader in Engineering Design, University of Bristol</p>
−
      [2020:  Emeritus Professor, Liverpool University, https://www.virology-education.com/david-back-phd/ webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
+
<p>Sylvia Baker BSc, MSc<br />
−
    <p>Stuart Burgess BSc, PhD, CEng, MIMechE<br />
+
Head, Trinity Christian School, Stalybridge</p>
−
      Reader in Engineering Design, University of Bristol<br />
+
<p>Nancy Darrall BSc, MSc, PhD, MIBiol<br />
−
      [2020:  Professor, Bristol University, https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/persons/stuart-c-burgess(d9aa408b-265a-46e0-9446-b3d77d3477dc).html webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]<br />
+
formerly Research Officer, Central Electricity Generating Board</p>
−
      [2020:  James Clayton Prize 2019, IMechE, 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.]</p>
+
<p>Graham Everest BSc, PhD <br />
−
    <p>Sylvia Baker BSc, MSc<br />
+
Professor of Mathematics, University of East Anglia</p>
−
      Head, Trinity Christian School, Stalybridge</p>
+
<p>Ian Fuller BSc, PhD <br />
−
    <p>Nancy Darrall BSc, MSc, PhD, MIBiol<br />
+
Lecturer in Physical Geography, Northumbria University</p>
−
      formerly Research Officer, Central Electricity Generating Board</p>
+
<p>Nick Fuller BSc, PhD <br />
−
    <p>Graham Everest BSc, PhD <br />
+
Post-doctoral research (Molecular Biology), University of Warwick</p>
−
      Professor of Mathematics, University of East Anglia</p>
+
<p>Colin Garner BTech, BEng, PhD, CEng, MIMechE, MSAE <br />
−
    <p>Ian Fuller BSc, PhD <br />
+
Reader (Applied Thermodynamics), University of Loughborough</p>
−
      Lecturer in Physical Geography, Northumbria University<br />
+
<p>Paul Garner BSc, MIInfSc, FGS <br />
−
      [2020:  Professor and Associate Dean Research, Massey University, NZ, https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=543830 webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
+
Senior Information Scientist, Cambridge Science Park</p>
−
    <p>Nick Fuller BSc, PhD <br />
+
<p>D B Gower BSc, PhD, DSc, CChem, FRSC, CBiol, FIBiol<br />
−
      Post-doctoral research (Molecular Biology), University of Warwick</p>
+
Emeritus Professor of Steroid Biochemistry, University of London</p>
−
    <p>Colin Garner BTech, BEng, PhD, CEng, MIMechE, MSAE <br />
+
<p>Terry Hamblin MB, ChB, DM, FRCP, FRCPath<br />
−
      Reader (Applied Thermodynamics), University of Loughborough<br />
+
Professor of Immunohaematology, University of Southampton</p>
−
      [2020:  Professor, Loughborough University, https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/meme/staff/colin-garner/ webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
+
<p>Arthur Jones BSc, MEd, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol<br />
−
    <p>Paul Garner BSc, MIInfSc, FGS <br />
+
Science Education Consultant</p>
−
      Senior Information Scientist, Cambridge Science Park</p>
+
<p>Nigel Jones MS, FRCS<br />
−
    <p>D B Gower BSc, PhD, DSc, CChem, FRSC, CBiol, FIBiol<br />
+
Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne</p>
−
      Emeritus Professor of Steroid Biochemistry, University of London</p>
+
<p>Geoffrey Lewis MA, FSA, FMA, HonFMA<br />
−
    <p>Terry Hamblin MB, ChB, DM, FRCP, FRCPath<br />
+
formerly Director of Museum Studies, University of Leicester,<br />
−
      Professor of Immunohaematology, University of Southampton</p>
+
past President, International Council of Museums</p>
−
    <p>Arthur Jones BSc, MEd, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol<br />
+
<p>Derek Linkens BSc(Eng), MSc, PhD, DSc(Eng), ACGI, CEng, FIEE, FInstMC<br />
−
      Science Education Consultant</p>
+
Research Professor in Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, formerly  
−
    <p>Nigel Jones MS, FRCS<br />
+
Dean of Engineering, University of Sheffield, past President, Institute  
−
      Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne</p>
+
of Measurement and Control</p>
−
    <p>Geoffrey Lewis MA, FSA, FMA, HonFMA<br />
+
<p>Jeff Lowe MSc, MCGI, DMS<br />
−
      formerly Director of Museum Studies, University of Leicester,<br />
+
formerly Principal Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University</p>
−
      past President, International Council of Museums</p>
+
<p>John Peet BSc, MSc, PhD, CChem, FRSC<br />
−
    <p>Derek Linkens BSc(Eng), MSc, PhD, DSc(Eng), ACGI, CEng, FIEE, FInstMC<br />
+
formerly Science Coordinator, Guildford College of Further and Higher Education</p>
−
      Research Professor in Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, formerly  
+
<p>David Rosevear PhD, CChem, FRSC<br />
−
      Dean of Engineering, University of Sheffield, past President, Institute  
+
formerly Senior Lecturer, University of Portsmouth</p>
−
      of Measurement and Control<br />
+
<p>Nigel Robinson BSc, PhD<br />
−
      [2020:  Emeritus Professor, Sheffield University, https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/acse/people/dal webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
+
Post-doctoral research, University of Leicester (Currently teaching Chemistry)</p>
−
    <p>Jeff Lowe MSc, MCGI, DMS<br />
+
<p>Stephen Taylor BSc, MEng, PhD, ACGI, MIEE<br />
−
      formerly Principal Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University</p>
+
Reader in Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool</p>
−
    <p>John Peet BSc, MSc, PhD, CChem, FRSC<br />
+
<p>David Tyler BSc, MSc, PhD, CertEd, MinstP, CPhys, ACFI<br />
−
      formerly Science Coordinator, Guildford College of Further and Higher Education</p>
+
Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University</p>
−
    <p>David Rosevear PhD, CChem, FRSC<br />
+
<p>David Walton BSc, PhD<br />
−
      formerly Senior Lecturer, University of Portsmouth</p>
+
Visiting Lecturer, Dept of Computer Science, University of Durham<br />
−
    <p>Nigel Robinson BSc, PhD<br />
+
Information Systems Consultant</p>
−
      Post-doctoral research, University of Leicester (Currently teaching Chemistry)</p>
+
<p>David Watts PhD, FRSC, FInstP, FADM<br />
−
    <p>Stephen Taylor BSc, MEng, PhD, ACGI, MIEE<br />
+
Professor of Dental Biomaterials Science, University of Manchester Dental  
−
      Reader in Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool<br />
+
School</p>
−
      [2020:  Professor, Liverpool University, https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/electrical-engineering-and-electronics/staff/stephen-taylor/ webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
+
<p>Tim Wells BSc, PhD<br />
−
    <p>David Tyler BSc, MSc, PhD, CertEd, MinstP, CPhys, ACFI<br />
+
Lecturer in Neuroscience, University of Cardiff</p>
−
      Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University<br />
+
<p>Bill Worraker BSc, PhD<br />
−
      [2020:  Professor, Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University, https://fashioninstitute.mmu.ac.uk/staff/profile/?id=1325 webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
+
Senior (Software) Development Engineer, Hyprotech UK</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, http://www.cmbm.unipd.it/members/pages/Watts%20Uni%20Manchester/DavidWatts_UniManchester.htm webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
 
−
    <p>Tim Wells BSc, PhD<br />
 
−
      Lecturer in Neuroscience, University of Cardiff<br />
 
−
      [2020:  Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University, https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/81311-wells-tim webpage downloaded 2020_01_02.]</p>
 
−
    <p>Bill Worraker BSc, PhD<br />
 
−
      Senior (Software) Development Engineer, Hyprotech UK</p>
 
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
Line 136: Line 122:
 
==Links==
 
==Links==
  
−
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[God]] -> [[God is the creator]] -> [[Creation]]
+
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[God]] -> [[God is the creator]] -> [[Creation]] -> [[Creation science, intelligent design and evolution]]
  
 
[[Category:Creation science, Intelligent design and Evolution]]
 
[[Category:Creation science, Intelligent design and Evolution]]
 
[[Category:Christian doctrine and debates]]
 
[[Category:Christian doctrine and debates]]
 +
[[Category:Apologetics]]

Latest revision as of 13:42, 3 January 2020

Creationism among British scientists
RELATED TOPICS
SERMONS, ESSAYS AND OPINIONS
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. Eight were professors and three were readers.

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

Edgar Andrews BSc, PhD, DSc, FInstP, FIM, CEng, CPhys.
Emeritus Professor of Materials Science, University of London.

David Back BSc, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool

Stuart Burgess BSc, PhD, CEng, MIMechE
Reader in Engineering Design, University of Bristol

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

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

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

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

David Tyler BSc, MSc, PhD, CertEd, MinstP, CPhys, ACFI
Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University

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

Tim Wells BSc, PhD
Lecturer in Neuroscience, University of Cardiff

Bill Worraker BSc, PhD
Senior (Software) Development Engineer, Hyprotech UK

Quotes

References

  1. ↑ Dean C, "Let's Teach Science Pupils How To Think", Times Educational Supplement, 26 April 2002.

Links

Return to Christianity -> God -> God is the creator -> Creation -> Creation science, intelligent design and evolution

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