Intelligent design and creationism
Intelligent design and creationism each approach the origins question differently, but both reject the theory of evolution. But supporters and opponents of intelligent design (ID) disagree on how closely related the two are. Design opponents generally regard ID as an aspect of creationism, on the grounds that ID's proponents are religious allies of creationism proponents. They also cite court rulings.[1]
They are no more closely linked than Evolution and Social Darwinism. Just as Darwinism contains some elements which were historically used to support Eugenics,[2] the scientific theory of intelligent design (ID) can be used to bolster the religious doctrine of Creationism.
Atheists and believers both agree that if life has been designed, then this implies the existence of a Designer or Creator. Accordingly, philosophers who deny the possibility of supernatural causation are hostile to ID because it undermines one of atheism's primary arguments against the existence of God.
Frank J. Sonleitner wrote:
- "The people who adamantly insist on teaching "intelligent design" in science classes are the young earth creationists, who will identify it with fundamentalist religion!" [2]
References
- ↑ U.S. District Judge John E. Jones barred a Pennsylvanian public school district from teaching "intelligent design" in biology class, saying the concept is creationism in disguise. Fox News - December 12, 2008
- ↑ "Its only program for man is scientific breeding, a system under which a few supposedly superior intellects, self-appointed, would direct the mating and the movements of the mass of mankind -- an impossible system!"-William Jennings Bryan [1]