Opportunity to debate theories appreciated

Editor,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the College of Arts & Sciences and the Departments of Psychology, Physics & Astronomy, Earth & Planetary Sciences, Biology and Chemistry for sponsoring my talk “Technical Problems with Intelligent Design Theory,” Feb. 19 at the Kiva Lecture Hall.

I also would like to thank Phillip Johnson and professor Harold Delaney for being kind enough to announce my talk at Dr. Johnson’s Woodward Hall lecture on “The Real Evolution/Creation Debate.”

Sadly, I also must mention that I was appalled at the behavior of the person who interrupted Dr. Johnson’s talk and passed out leaflets titled “Keep The Culture War Off The Campus! Evolution Is Not Debatable Using Religion” at my talk.

Science is at its best when it is challenged, and what better place to challenge current modes of thought than at a university? While I disagreed with most of what Dr. Johnson said, I vigorously defend his right to say it, even in a university setting.

However, my remarks should not be interpreted as support for including creationism in public school science classes. Teachers have a big enough job teaching real science and should not be burdened with teaching “all” theories, including fringe beliefs such as alien landings, NASA moon hoaxes, and creationism.

Nor should these remarks be interpreted as support for teaching “intelligent design” at UNM biology classes; those theorists need to develop and publish their theory first and submit it for peer review in mainstream science journals.

As I mentioned in my talk, Dr. Johnson is asking some good questions. It’s unfortunate that he can’t acknowledge the good answers to his questions, but that should not be used to prevent him from even asking them.

I’ve learned much by seeking answers to the questions of creationists, and I always enjoy a good scrap.

Let freedom ring.

David E. Thomas

New Mexicans for

Science and Reason