Circular reasoning

Summary of problems:

Explore Evolution substitutes word games for serious engagement with natural selection. Rather than providing an accurate definition of a key evolutionary concept — fitness — the book defines in in circular terms, then pretends that the fault for this circularity lies with the concept, rather than their own poor writing. This gambit is a long-refuted creationist canard based on a misunderstanding of basic terms. It is irrelevant to the science, and rejected by philosophers of science.

Reports of the National Center for Science Education

Title: 

"Critical Analysis" in Ohio: The Return of the Zombie

Author(s): 

Glenn Branch
NCSE Deputy Director

Year: 

2006

Date: 

July–August

Like a zombie in a horror film, the "Critical Analysis of Evolution" effort returned to haunt the Buckeye State, despite a series of stakes through its heart. In 2002, Ohio adopted a set of science standards including a requirement that students be able to "describe how scientists continue to investigate and critically analyze aspects of evolutionary theory" (see RNCSE 2002 Sep/Oct; 22 [5]: 4–6). When the indicator was introduced, it was widely feared that it would provide a pretext for the introduction of creationist misrepresentations of evolution.

Reports of the National Center for Science Education

Title: 

"Critical Analysis" Defeated in Ohio

Author(s): 

Glenn Branch

Year: 

2006

Date: 

May–June

The Ohio Board of Education voted 11–4 at its February 14, 2006, meeting to remove both the "Critical Analysis of Evolution" model lesson plan and the corresponding indicator — which called for students to be able to "describe how scientists continue to investigate and critically analyze aspects of evolutionary theory" — in the state standards. Board member Martha Wise, who spearheaded the drive to eliminate the anti-evolution material, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer (2006 Feb 15), "I’m ecstatic ...