The Way of Science

Film #4: God, Darwin and the Dinosaurs

1. As you watch the early part of this film, note the views on what constitute "science". It is important that you understand the Scopes trial, and its legal descendants: the Overton/ Arkansas decision; the Louisiana "equal time" law. Watch for the totally different criteria of "science" given by M. Ruse (the philosopher) and Morris/Gish (representing the Institute of Creation Research). What do you make of Gish's comment that "the best scientific evidence today indicates that God created heaven and Earth"?
   
   
2. Extremely important is the material on the fossil record. Pay close attention to the mammal/reptile/bird relationship; listen carefully to the paleontologist discuss Evolutionary changes in skulls.
   
   
3. Consider the following statements drawn from the film:
   1. "Evolution removes us from the center of the Universe. There is nothing special about us" (Futuyma, the biologist). Do you see why this (accurate) statement, drawn from Evolutionary biology, makes many people unhappy?
      
      
   2. Gish (ICR) makes fun of the idea that "hydrogen is the ancestor of people." But: isn't this statement basically correct? Keep it in mind for our last unit, cosmology.

      Gish also ridicules the evidence for our close relationship to chimpanzees. He says that even if our DNA is over 99% alike (make sure you understand what DNA is), that does not mean we are related. After all, he says, a cloud is 100% water, a watermelon is 97% water, but no-one would say they are closely related. Is his logic good or bad? Think about this question for next class!
      
      

   3. At the very end of the film, Ruse makes some very strong statements about presenting students with all positions, and letting them choose. Pay particular attention! His view represents almost all scientists on the "equal time" question.
      
      
   4. Pay close attention to the discussion of the First Amendment as it relates to the Creationist controversy. Note what is said about why the literalists changed their name to "scientific Creationists." You will find this material very useful for your writing assignment.