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Should creationism be taught in schools? Should creationism be taught in schools?
Yes, creationism should be taught in schools Yes, creationism should be taught in schools
No, creationism should not be taught in schools No, creationism should not be taught in schools
Creationism and evolution should both be taught Creationism and evolution should both be taught
Creationism should be taught as part of philosophy or religion courses Creationism should be taught as part of philosophy or religion courses
Creationism and evolution aren’t mutually exclusive Creationism and evolution aren’t mutually exclusive
Creationism should be taught alongside other theories Creationism should be taught alongside other theories
Creationism is religious and shouldn't be taught in schools Creationism is religious and shouldn't be taught in schools
Darwin’s theory of evolution is a scientific law and should be taught in schools Darwin’s theory of evolution is a scientific law and should be taught in schools
What harm can it do to teach creationism? What harm can it do to teach creationism?
Private schools should be able to teach creationism Private schools should be able to teach creationism
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Should creationism be taught in schools?
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No, creationism should not be taught in schools

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Creationism is religious and shouldn't be taught in schools

The church and state should be separate, and because of this religious beliefs should not be taught in schools along with scientific fact.
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The Argument

Most western societies are secular and staunchly defend the separation between church and state.[1] In the USA this is part of the Constitution. In multicultural societies, if any religious creation stories were going to be taught, then all should be.[2] If creationists argue for ‘balanced’ teaching of creationism in schools alongside evolution, why not have a ‘balanced ‘ teaching of all creation stories?

Counter arguments

Evolution also can not be proven. Where are the transitional fossils showing one species changing into another? Therefore, if evolution is a legitimate belief system, so is creationism. Issues around academic freedom, censorship, parental rights and majority rule mean creationism should be allowed to be taught.[3][4]

Premises

[P1] Creationism is a religious belief. [P2] It therefore has no place in schools in secular societies or where there is a claimed separation between the church and state.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] Creationism is a legitimate belief system. [Rejecting P2] As it is a legitimate belief system, it should be taught in schools.

References

  1. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/creationism-should-not-be-taught-in-schools-says-scottish-education-minister-10279509.html
  2. https://www.themonastery.org/blog/why-it-is-unfair-to-teach-creationism-in-public-schools
  3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1014473504488
  4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1014473504488#
This page was last edited on Friday, 17 Apr 2020 at 12:11 UTC

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