More Than a Technical Debate | National Review

More Than a Technical Debate | National Review

David Klinghoffer writes, regarding evolution vs. intelligent design:

"Here's what is missing: serious public debate. Telling scientists to 'slug it out' in professional journals and not try to persuade others is like asking a free-market advocate to persuade his Marxist colleagues before he dares offer his case to the public. What makes Kevin [Williamson] think entrenched Darwinists are willing even to listen to scientific challenges? Kevin is saying that critics of Darwin should allow themselves to be abused -- by non-scientists like Kevin D. Williamson -- and just take it. Why is Williamson such an (entertaining) scourge of experts in other fields, yet eager to accept and amplify the prejudices of Darwinists?

"There's no 'conspiracy' here. Scientists are as subject to careerism, groupthink, and status anxiety as anyone else. The hypothesis of purpose in nature is too important to leave to the 'experts' alone. We needn't be impressed by pseudo-Menckenesque put-downs."