The “conflict lies in perception”: Evolution and Creationism

by William Atkins

Friday, 22 August 2008

Page 1 of 3 ! While growing up in Spain, Francisco Ayala attended Catholic schools. Young Ayala studied Evolution in science class and Creationism in religion class. Arguments did not occur with regard to learning either subject so he studied both. The following is an interview regarding the subject of teaching science and creationisn. Today, Dr. Francisco J. Ayala is a university professor and Donald Bren professor of biological sciences, ecology and evolutionary biology in the School of Biological Sciences; a professor of philosophy in the School of Humanities; and a professor of logic and the philosophy of science in the School of Social Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. The interview he gave to Mr. Harvey Leifert is contained within the article “Francisco Ayala: Evolution and Creationism: The Conflict Lies in Perception,” which is contained in the HHMI Bulletin (August 2008, Volume 21, Number 03) of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The introduction of the article states, “Having moved to the United States in 1961, he [Francisco Ayala] was shocked when, in the mid-1970s, California sought to introduce an antievolution curriculum into its public schools. How could this be, in the most scientifically advanced country in the world? His bewilderment led Ayala to a lifelong study of how evolution is, or is not, taught in public schools.” In The New York Times article, “Roving Defender of Evolution, and of Room for God,” it is said, “Dr. Ayala, a former Dominican priest, said he told his audiences not just that evolution is a well-corroborated scientific theory, but also that belief in evolution does not rule out belief in God. In fact, he said, evolution ‘is more consistent with belief in a personal god than intelligent design. If God has designed organisms, he has a lot to account for.’” The New York Times article continued to say, “Dr. Ayala said he remained surprised at how many Americans believe the theory of evolution is contrary to belief in God, or that the theory is erroneous or even fraudulent. (In fact, there is no credible scientific challenge to it as an explanation for the complexity and diversity of life on earth.)” You might like to read the rest of the article. Page two begins the interview. << First page <   1 2 3 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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