The Chronicle: Colloquy: The question

THE QUESTION

A growing number of scholars are embracing the theory of "intelligent design," which holds that the universe is too complex to have developed in such a sophisticated way without help from some external agent. Proponents of the idea argue that this agent -- they avoid using the word "God" -- has guided the earth's history, and that scientific evidence backs them up. Many scientists are worried by the growth of this movement, which they view as religion cloaked in academic jargon. Does intelligent design deserve more support within academe? Should scientists speak out against this movement?

For further information, see this background article:

Darwinism Under Attack (12/21/2001)

: 460 RESPONSES (New 2/15)

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APE-MEN
Our biological beastliness spawned our cultural greatness. But can our biological greatness save us from our cultural beastliness, asks David P. Barash, a professor of psychology at the University of Washington. (Password required; how to get one.)
(Illustration by Courtney Granner)