Reflection on the Christian Philosophy of Science Education: Case Study of the Creation-Evolution Controversy and Intelligent Design in the Classroom

Kai Man Kwan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The debate between creation and evolution has extended from books and journals to school boards or even the court. Should we teach the controversy or even give equal time to both creationism and evolution in the classroom? Should we introduce intelligent design (ID) as an alternative to mainstream neo-Darwinism? These issues have not only been fiercely debated, but have also led to some court cases in USA, and a similar debate in Hong Kong. In the court, the scientific establishment, which is firmly on the side of naturalistic evolution, has decisively won the legal battle, but the debates in scientific, philosophical, or religious circles have not subsided.

This chapter explains and critically evaluates the arguments for the claim that creation science and ID are not science because they violate some necessary conditions of science. Methodological naturalism is often invoked against the scientific status of creation science and ID. This chapter critically examines some arguments for this view and suggests that the case for them is far from decisive (although creation science is not accepted). In the end, Christians should do both Duhemian and Augustinian sciences, in accordance with Plantinga's suggestion, according to the nature of the question under consideration. Concerning evolution, ID or creation science, the “teaching the controversy approach” is explored. Students should be informed of the data and arguments for and against different positions, and their own critical judgment should be encouraged.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWhole Person Education in East Asian Universities
Subtitle of host publicationPerspectives from Philosophy and Beyond
EditorsBenedict S. B. Chan, Victor C. M. Chan
Place of PublicationLondon and New York
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter10
Pages157-177
Number of pages21
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781003137252
ISBN (Print)9780367683795, 9780367683788
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Sept 2021

Publication series

NameRoutledge Contemporary Asia Series
PublisherRoutledge

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Social Sciences(all)

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