Intelligent Design---NOT A DEBATE, just in prep. for one

Republican_Man

Let me make this clear: This topic has NOT been created with the intention of starting a debate. We've been over this topic quite a lot already.

Next month's topic for Public Forum debate for Speech and Debate involves Intelligent Design in public schools.
I may very well be participating in that debate, but I wanted to start this topic to get coherent, solid arguments for BOTH sides. Please do not create debate, and if you can't argue the other side for the other side, please don't post the other side's argument--only post your side, unless you can debate both sides. EVIDENCE IS INVOLVED IN THIS TYPE OF DEBATE.
I especially need arguments for the negative side, because that is not my side.

They must be COHERENT arguments that can really be debatable in a formal debate--not simply opinions.

If anyone can help me, for either side, that would be great.
Please, at the top of your post, put bold either "Affirmative:" or "Negative:" so that I know what side your argument is for.

Remember, this is NOT a topic for debate. It is for the true sharing of ideas to help me develop my case.

Thanks, all, for your help!

LightningBoy · **Wed Dec 14, 2005 11:26 pm**

Negative
Intellegent Design is not a scientific theory, instead, a philisophical one. Perhaps a science venue is improper for its lessons.

webtaz99 · **Thu Dec 15, 2005 2:51 pm**

I had an excellent statistics teacher who based his style on one thing: definitions. He said you can't discuss something unless you agree on "what it is".

So, could you please start with your definition of Intelligent Design?

Also, what does "in schools" mean? Allowed to be discussed? Added to the required curriculum?

Republican_Man · **Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:07 pm**

The resolution is as follows:

Resolved: In the United States, public high school science curriculum should include the study of the Theory of Intelligent Design.

I don't know if there's a standard definition all across the board, but on our post on the wall of the Speech and Debate classroom it says the Dictionary.com definition

webtaz99 · **Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:00 am**

The last time I looked, school curriculums were controlled by State laws and local school boards.

Wouldn't it far more prudent for the Fed to dictate better performance in language, math and science skills in general rather than pushing this particular concept?

Also, scientific theories have a testable hypothesis, which is how they are "proven". (Theories are only "proven" until contradicted by new observations.) What is the testable hypothesis of ID?