Last week, University of Chicago biologist Jerry Coyne criticized Forbes (See “Why Evolution Is True”) for including views skeptical of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution in its forum on the 200th anniversary of his birth. As a member of the National Academy of Sciences, I beg to differ with Professor Coyne. I don’t think science has anything to fear from a free exchange of ideas between thoughtful proponents of different views. Moreover, there are a number of us in the scientific community who, while we appreciate Darwin’s contributions, think that the rhetorical approach of scientists such as Coyne unnecessarily polarizes public discussions and–even more seriously–overstates both the evidence for Darwin’s theory of historical …
Dr. Philip S. Skell, a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the Evan Pugh Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus at Penn State University, has issued an open letter to the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee. With Dr. Skell’s permission we have published the full text of the letter below. Jan. 20, 2005 Dr. JoAnne AndersonExecutive DirectorS.C. Education Oversight Committee Dear Dr. Anderson: I understand that the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee is currently reviewing their science standards. I am writing—as a member of the National Academy of Sciences—to voice my strong support for the idea that students should be able to study scientific criticisms of the evidence for modern evolutionary theory along with the evidence favoring the …
Evolutionary theory contributes little to experimental biology
Philip S. Skell
August 29, 2005
Darwin's theory of evolution offers a sweeping explanation of the history of life, from the earliest microscopic organisms billions of years ago to all the plants and animals around us today. Much of the evidence that might have established the theory on an unshakable empirical foundation, however, remains lost in the distant past. The modern form of Darwin's theory has been raised to its present high status because it's said to be the cornerstone of modern experimental biology. But is that correct?
An open letter to the Kansas State Board of Education from Professor Philip S. Skell, Member, National Academy of Sciences, Evan Pugh Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus Penn State University.May 12, 2005Dr. Steve E. Abrams, ChairKansas State Board of EducationC/o Kansas State Department of Education120 SE 10th AvenueTopeka KS 66612-1182Fax: (785) 296-7933Dear Dr. Abrams:I have been following the controversy over the adoption of new science standards in your state with interest. I am writing—as a member of the National Academy of Sciences—to voice my strong support for the idea that students should be able to study scientific criticisms of the evidence for modern evolutionary theory along with the evidence favoring the theory.All too often, the issue of how to teach evolutionary theory …
