Today, Marcus Ross is speaking at Temple University on the topic of geology and the Cambrian Explosion [Marcus Ross and Peter Dodson at Temple University]. Recall that Ross is a Young Earth Creationist: he believes that the Earth is less than ten thousand years old. Appearing on the same stage as Ross is the paleontologist Peter Dodson from nearby University of Pennsylvania. Dodson will present the case for rationality.The talks are being organized by a group of student societies under the title DECIDE FOR YOURSELF: Evolution and Intelligent Design. Tomorrow night it's the turn of Michael Behe, speaking on biology, plus someone who they've recruited to represent the side of rationality in the field of evolution. I know for a fact that several people have turned them down (including me). This is a Discovery Institute dog-and-pony show. Paul Nelson will be the final speaker, on philosophy, a week from today. Nelson is also a Young Earth Creationist. (No one has yet been selected to present the rational case for philosophy, as far as I know.)
Students have every right to sponsor such events even if it's under the false impression that there's a legitimate scientific debate over the age of the Earth. However, I seriously doubt that it will be attended by people with an open mind. If anyone goes to the lecture, please send a report.
The fact that students have a right to invite IDiots on to their campus does not mean we have to defend their decision. I think they are being very naive and uneducated. As far as I'm concerned, it speaks badly of Temple University that groups of students such as Temple University Chemistry Society, Geology Society, and the Philosophy Society would even consider listening to Young Earth Creationists. What in the world are they thinking?
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