Evolution: A theory one must come to know to pass any Anthropology course at NIU. For decades, the subject of this theory has been one of serious debate, and now the theory of Intelligent Design, a detractor from that of evolution, has secured mention in the classrooms of a public high school district in Pennsylvania.

ID does not directly associate with any particular religion and the definitive statement on www.intelligentdesignnetwork.org reads: “Certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than an undirected process such as design detection…We recognize patterns arranged by an intelligent cause for a purpose.”

The concept was introduced as a way for students to be aware of an alternate theory of evolution, and is intended to be presented as a theory that should hold no more or less weight than evolution. But because ID is based on the notion that humanity was designed by some higher power, and because it resonates with many people as a variation of Creationism, some feel teaching it in public schools could be a violation of the constitution.

But does this decision endanger the teaching of evolution in schools?

Daniel Gebo, an NIU Biological Anthropology professor, believes the theory of evolution will hold strong.

“These groups have tried over and over to stop evolution from being taught in schools,” he said. “In the end, science tends to win out.”

Josh Roney, junior English major, feels that evolution shouldn’t be taught.

“There is no proof for evolution,” Roney said. “People need to accept the potential idea that we could have been made by a higher power. Intelligent Design grew out of holes in the evolution theory, which I think will continue to lose credibility. Evolution is just a theory, not a fact.”

Although evolution has not been proven, this argument loses steam when we recognize other evidence-backed theories we take for granted, such as the theory of gravity, haven’t been proven either. Evolutionary theory has provided us with insight toward other aspects of our lives: We’ve used the logic behind evolving populations to come up with remedies such as flu shots and scientists have used the theory of natural selection to study plants, starfish, and all types of species.

What frustrates many people who believe humanity was specifically designed by a higher power is that segments of their beliefs (like ID) include areas of the evolutionary theory, but school systems don’t allow any type of faith-based thought.

Gebo believes many theories don’t survive because they don’t have enough support.

“All things deserve consideration,” Gebo said. “But where ID fails is its testing. If ideas are bad, we get rid of them…You won’t find any course in any university on Intelligent Design…It’s not serious science.”

What is commendable about the ID theory being introduced is that it promotes diverse opinion as well as critical thought, which has always been considered a scientific virtue. Just as the scientific community continues to ask questions and reevaluate its ideas, so should we. After all, didn’t we have similar deliberations about the very shape of our globe?

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.