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Stephen Meyer: Appeals to Evolution “Consensus” Undercut Scientific Methodology

“Darwin’s public defenders,” as Stephen Meyers calls them – Nye, Dawkins, Krauss, & Co. – loudly contend that evolutionary theory has “no weaknesses,” is “undeniable,” enjoys the support of a scientific “consensus,” and therefore is questioned only by science “deniers.” In a presentation at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., ahead of last month’s March for Science, Dr. Meyer debunked these claims.

You can hear him now on a new ID the Future podcast episode. Download it here.

A significant point Meyer makes is that to invoke the idea of a “consensus” on evolution itself undercuts the scientific methodology. The latter entails spirited debate among scientists about competing hypotheses regarding how to interpret data. To shut the door on debate, as the Science Marchers would like to do, means shutting the door on science.

Photo: Stephen Meyer, courtesy of the Heritage Foundation.

David Klinghoffer

Senior Fellow and Editor, Evolution News
David Klinghoffer is a Senior Fellow at Discovery Institute and the editor of Evolution News & Science Today, the daily voice of Discovery Institute’s Center for Science & Culture, reporting on intelligent design, evolution, and the intersection of science and culture. Klinghoffer is also the author of six books, a former senior editor and literary editor at National Review magazine, and has written for the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Seattle Times, Commentary, and other publications. Born in Santa Monica, California, he graduated from Brown University in 1987 with an A.B. magna cum laude in comparative literature and religious studies. David lives near Seattle, Washington, with his wife and children.

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Bill NyeevolutionHeritage FoundationID the FutureMarch for ScienceScientific consensusStephen Meyer