Evolution Debate
Pollsters say that more than half of the American public does not believe in evolution, yet it is arguably Ð along with quantum theory Ð 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 Òyoung earthÓ creationist; (3) a ÒIdeal DesignÓ 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:
On Tuesday 4/28 we will debate the following questions between a scientist and an Ideal Design creationist:
Debates are ÒcompetitionsÓ 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 opponentÕs 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 Òacting,Ó and with it, a need to Òget intoÓ 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. ÒAnnotatedÕ refers to your having
one or two sentences after each reference describing the importance of
this
source. Start with:
http://fp.bio.utk.edu/darwin/links/links.html#resources
Due in class 4/14: a typed one paragraph summary of your ÒcharacterÕsÓ stance on evolution
Debate Procedure
1. five minute presentation of your answer to the question posed. Your presentation should be full of Òconvincing factsÓ 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