Comments on: Libraries the Best Hope for Education

By: JW Librarian

JW Librarian — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 18:57:09 +0000

I’m glad we have Janson to set things straight! Janson I highly recommend you read this book before you start making yourself even more foolish: “Lies, Damned Lies, and Science: How to Sort Through the Noise Around Global Warming, the Latest Health Claims, and Other Scientific Controversies” Sherry Seethlayer

By: JW Librarian

JW Librarian — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 18:53:32 +0000

Hate to break it to you, Janson, but Gravity is still considered a “theory” that needs further elucidation because of certain phenomenological inconsistencies that current understanding does not account for. Again, evidence that you really have no clue what science is or what it purports to be. There ARE SIMPLY NO ABSOLUTES in science. Period.

Next.

By: JW Librarian

JW Librarian — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 18:31:24 +0000

It seems like what it comes down to for MD is that he/she simply cannot get his/her head around the evolution of species morphing from one form into another, even though this can simply mean that one species is divided for enough time, perhaps geographically, that over time they become reproductionally incompatible. Whatever the case, evolution as a science is in a constant state of developing, no where near “resolved” as there really is no such thing as a “resolved” scientific theory or even fact. Think quantum theory, for instance. However, some individuals want everything on the table now or nothing at all. I’ve been in many conversations like this and the end result is usually stalemate. To me, MD can believe what he or she so chooses, just as long as he/she is not in a position to affect real scientist’s work in progressing our understanding of the development of species.

By: JW Librarian

JW Librarian — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 18:09:28 +0000

MD must mean Mad Dog.

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:36:59 +0000

Well said Janson!

By: Mlisa

Mlisa — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:00:28 +0000

I wouldn’t normally comment here as I think giving any attention whatsoever to the scientifically illiterate does more harm than good. It’s like arguing with my barking dog.

But to answer the question about homeschooling,this (admittedly 9 year old, but freely available) government report http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2006/homeschool/parentsreasons.asp shows that roughly 30% of homeschooling parents listed religious or moral reasons as their primary motivation. I think it’s safe to say that these folks are seeking to shelter their children from education–e.g.,subversive ideas in science, English and history class. On the upside, 70% are motivated primarily by other goals. After seeing our wretched educational system from the inside, I might be tempted to homeschool myself…and anyway, no amount of traditional education will train the ignorance out of those committed to keeping it.

By: Development Arrested

Development Arrested — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 22:02:51 +0000

And I’m sorry that my first comment was insulting. It really shouldn’t have been phrased as a put down. I honestly don’t think you understand evolution. Look into Darwin’s four postulates, the basis of his theory. They’re all testable and bear out.

Life is amazing. (My life… meh)

By: Development Arrested

Development Arrested — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:59:12 +0000

@ MD

I believe evolution because it is a coherent, testable scientific theory. I have seen several of the pieces of evidence ranging from the fossil record to studies demonstrating micro-evolution.

Yes, there’s a bit of gap between micro and macroevolution. But it’s certainly easier to swallow than the belief that all animals are completely static and don’t change over time. I can look at my dogs (one a toy and the other a medium sized) and know that’s certainly not true!

I find the truth of Darwinian evolution to be so much more satisfying than the extremist Baptist ones I once had. The world is now filled with so much mystery and intricacy.

Creation truly is amazing. Maybe you should read a popular science book about evolution. I hear Gould has some great books, and he believes that religion (answering the why question) is distinct from science (answering the how question). I mean yes, I believe that we’re all just hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, caffeine, and other things, but science can’t explain why these molecules came together into a functioning nervous system.

By: Alex Kyrios

Alex Kyrios — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:43:17 +0000

Dan, regardless of how many people have fretted about ebooks, internet filtering, and the relevance of 21st century library, books are assuredly still a library matter.

By: Michelle S.

Michelle S. — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:51:35 +0000

Janson:

“Humans did not evolve from monkeys. Humans are more closely related to modern apes than to monkeys, but we didn’t evolve from apes, either. Humans share a common ancestor with modern African apes, like gorillas and chimpanzees. Scientists believe this common ancestor existed
5 to 8 million years ago. Shortly thereafter, the species diverged into two separate lineages. One of these lineages ultimately evolved into gorillas and chimps, and the other evolved into early human ancestors called hominids. ”
-PBS

Learn something about evolution before trying to argue against it please.