Evolution Debate

Pollsters say that more than half of the American public does not believe in evolution, yet it is arguably – along with quantum theory – one of THE most important scientific theories of all time.  Why is the theory of evolution so misunderstood? We will try and understand this by studying some of the key questions that arise in the evolution debate. We will conduct a debate on the subject of evolution in order to accomplish three goals: first, to familiarize ourselves with the principles of evolution, second to develop an understanding of how evolutionary theory is misunderstood, and finally, to try and understand what the various creationist theories say.

We will conduct the debate by dividing into two groups. Within each group will be the following representatives: (1) a scientist; (2) a “young earth” creationist; (3) a “Ideal Design” creationist.  You will have to research and understand the perspective of the individual you represent for each of the questions we will debate. In a debate you do not have to personally believe the perspective you are advocating, what is important is your ability to convincingly present and argue the perspective you represent, and critique your opponents.

In class on Thursday, April 10 be prepared to  meet with your  partner to outline your presentation (main points of your argument; main points of what you expect  the opposition to argue that you'll have to rebut).  I will circulate around and "butt in" with comments.

The debates will occur in two class periods.  On Thursday 4/24 we will debate the questions between a scientist and young earth creationist:

• The earth is not old enough for evolution to have occurred.
• The fossil record  contains too many gaps to support the theory of evolution

On Tuesday 4/28 we will debate the following questions between a scientist and an Ideal Design creationist:

• The fossil record does not support the evolution of complex morphologic structures
• humans represent special creation and not the result of evolution
  
• intelligent design should be taught in school as an alternative theory to evolution.

Debates are “competitions” in the sense that someone wins and someone else loses. How you determine who wins and loses is based on voting by the judges and audience on the quality of your argument (is it based on evidence, is it presented logically?) and whether you were able to rebut your opponent’s viewpoints (were you able to point out mistakes or misconceptions in the evidence or its interpretations?). It may help you to think of this as a form of “acting,” and with it, a need to “get into” your character.

In order to ensure that you are prepared for the debates, there are the following short term assignments:

Due in class 4/12: an annotated list of at least 5 references (articles, websites, etc) you will be using to prepare for the debate. “Annotated’ refers to your having one or two sentences after each reference describing the importance of this source. Start with:

http://paleo.cc/ce/ce.htm

http://fp.bio.utk.edu/darwin/links/links.html#resources

Due in class 4/14: a typed one paragraph summary of your “character’s” stance on evolution

Debate Procedure

1. five minute presentation of your answer to the question posed. Your presentation should be full of “convincing facts” to sway the audience to your point of view on the question.

2. your opponent makes his/her five minute presentation

3. the three minute rebuttal by the first presenter

4. the second presenter responds with a three minute rebuttal

5. five minute question/answer session from the audience to both presenters

6. The audience and judge will fill out their ballots to decide a winner for question #1.

7. Repeat the procedure for the second question.

8. Announce winner of overall debate

Evaluation of Debates

• Was the individual’s perspective on the question clearly presented (do you know what their stance is)?
• Was their argument supported by data or evidence or based mostly on opinion?
• Were their criticisms of their opponent’s stance rigorous (did they get to the weak points in the argument)?
• Were they able to present logical rebuttals?
• Did they stay within the time limit?
• Who won/lost this debate? Why?