Art Caplan: ‘Expelled’ isn't just bad, it's immoral

[Cross-posted from blog.bioethics.net]

Over at MSNBC, Art writes that Ben Stein's intelligent design documentary is not just bad -- it's immoral:

Rarely has a movie subtitle so capably assessed a movie’s content as does "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." There is not a shred of intelligence on display in this just released "documentary" purporting to be a careful examination of the fight over teaching creationism and evolution in America.

The movie seeks to explain why, as a matter of freedom of speech, intelligent design should be taught in America’s science classrooms and presented in America’s publicly funded science museums. But what is really on display in this film is a toxic mishmash of persecution fantasies, disconnected and inappropriate references to fallen communist regimes and their leaders and a very repugnant form of Holocaust denial from the monotone big mouth Ben Stein.

(read the rest)

Following up on the Expelled Manufactroversy

In a follow-up to our Kathryn's earlier posts on manufactroversy and Ben Stein's Expelled, I thought our readers might enjoy reading what Andrea Thompson of the Live Science Blog had to say about the movie Expelled:

"If you’re heading out to the movie theater this weekend, I wouldn’t recommend spending your money on 'Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed,' the latest attempt by the intelligent design movement to infiltrate science classrooms and labs with a decidedly unscientific idea.

The movie bills itself as a documentary, though as the New York Times review quite aptly put it, the film is more like 'a conspiracy-theory rant masquerading as investigative inquiry.' "

Thompson's commentary includes reference to Sciam's excellent Six Things in Expelled That Ben Stein Doesn't Want You to Know... and the review by Richard Dawkins’ and the one by biologist and blogger PZ Myers. She also does a great job in pointing the reader to explanations of evolution (and some of the varying ideas about it), at this article or this one. And for a discussion of intelligent design, check out this piece.

All in all, the piece echoes Sciam's review, accessible here. And if you want a little chuckle, check out Youtube parody, Sexpelled:

Having Cake is Different From Eating Cake

The National Academy of Sciences has just released a new book, Science, Evolution, and Creationism, to explain the differences between religion and science, and to clarify the currently muddled discussion on matters entangled in the current conflict.

NYT reports:

...it is intended specifically for the lay public and because it devotes much of its space to explaining the differences between science and religion, and asserting that acceptance of evolution does not require abandoning belief in God.

...The 70-page book, “Science, Evolution and Creationism,” says, among other things, that “attempts to pit science and religion against each other create controversy where none needs to exist.” And it offers statements from several eminent biologists and members of the clergy to support the view.

In the past year, there has been a significant push-back by prominent atheists and skeptics against dogma-based attacks on science, but this new publication will be key in defusing the artificially constructed conflict between two completely different human endeavors. Hopefully, this year will mark the emergence of a new movement to continue this effort.

Is Evolutionary Theology the 'middle path'?

Wired's Brandon Keim is writing a few stories about the intelligent design vs evolutionary theory debate and how latest showdown on this will take place in Florida, where opposition is mounting to state -mandated emphasis on the importance of evolution to science education:
" Jesus, meet Darwin...In the aftermath of a Texas education official's dismissal for promoting evolution, I spoke yesterday to Michael Dowd, a leading proponent of evolutionary theology...'Evolutionary theology offers a third way. Rightly understood, evolution is as sacred and meaningful as any of the creation myths,' said Dowd, who quoted biology titan E.O. Wilson, sometimes called Darwin's heir: 'The evolutionary epic is probably the best myth we'll ever have.'"

I love what E. O. Wilson has to say about this in his TED video:



It gives me hope that we can transcend the petty 'culture wars' and find a new way to respect all our biosphere and all living beings.