The objective of this paper is to describe the controversy between Darwinism and creationism in public education in the United States.
Part One defines key terms such as “creationism“, “Intelligent Design“ and “Darwinism“ and examines the arguments, views and concepts of all schools of thought in the controversy. Part Two gives a brief overview of the present situation in public education in different states and explains the legal status quo in connection with current judgments and trials. Part Three describes the background of the debate and mentions historical key events and court cases concerning evolution. Part Four examines what the American public thinks about teaching creationism and shows how views differ between social groups and political preferences with the aid of recent surveys and opinion polls. In addition to that, it describes President Bush’s opinion and his contribution to the debate up to now. Part Five considers future developments in this matter that are to be expected. Part Six, the conclusion, draws conclusions and describes my personal understanding of the issue.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- EVOLUTION – FACT OR JUST ONE OF MANY THEORIES? TEACHING ALTERNATE THEORIES OF LIFE'S ORIGIN IN US PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
- AIM AND SCOPE OF THE PAPER.
- DEVELOPMENT
- DIFFERENT THEORIES OF EVOLUTION
- THE EVOLUTION DEBATE IN PUBLIC EDUCATION
- HISTORY OF THE EVOLUTION DEBATE
- EVOLUTION TRIALS
- WHAT DOES THE AMERICAN PUBLIC THINK ABOUT TEACHING EVOLUTION?
- THE POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS OF CREATIONISTS AND EVOLUTIONISTS
- WHICH SIDE DOES THE PRESIDENT TAKE IN THIS CONTROVERSY?
- AN OUTLOOK.
- PERSONAL CONCLUSION.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to examine the ongoing controversy surrounding Darwinism and creationism in US public education. The work explores the different perspectives on the origins of life, including creationism, Intelligent Design, and Darwinism. It further analyzes the legal and historical context of the debate, focusing on key events and court cases. Finally, the paper investigates public opinion on teaching evolution in the US, analyzing the influence of political affiliations and the stance of the president.
- The conflict between creationism and Darwinism in US public education.
- Different perspectives on the origins of life: creationism, Intelligent Design, and Darwinism.
- The legal and historical context of the evolution debate, including key events and court cases.
- Public opinion on teaching evolution in the US and its relation to political affiliations.
- The role of the president in the evolution controversy.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The first chapter sets the stage by defining key terms and outlining the paper's scope. It discusses the different schools of thought on evolution, including naturalistic evolutionism, theistic evolutionism, and creationism (Young-Earth, Old-Earth, and Neo-creationism). It further examines the arguments and concepts associated with each perspective.
- Chapter two delves into the evolution debate as it plays out in public education. The chapter explores the complex legal landscape regarding the teaching of religion in public schools and emphasizes the unique position of the United States in this regard.
- The third chapter provides a historical overview of the evolution debate, highlighting key events and court cases that have shaped the current situation. This chapter explores the evolution trials and their significance in the ongoing struggle between scientific and religious perspectives.
- The fourth chapter examines public opinion on teaching evolution in the US, analyzing data from surveys and opinion polls. It explores how views on evolution differ between social groups and political preferences, and how these differences have shaped the debate.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this work include creationism, Intelligent Design, Darwinism, public education, evolution, religion, science, legal battles, court cases, public opinion, political affiliations, and the role of the president.
- Quote paper
- Mag.phil. Anna Jell (Author), 2006, Evolution – fact or just one of many theories? , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/150385
