Evolution/Intelligent Design, Postmodernism, Truth, Interpretation…etc.

Strike and Soltis, in chapter five, present a case study on Evolution and Intelligent Design being taught in the classroom. They then discuss the postmodernist and the importance of difference and particularity. Under this pretense the issue of truth is discussed and they state, “No truth is the whole truth. Every truth assumes something about the perspective of the individual whose truth it is.” First, Strike and Soltis do a good job in their writing staying neutral, presenting both sides of arguments to provoke thought. (This makes a reading analysis very difficult but inevitable for procrastinators.) Thinking through this issue of truth and Evolution vs. Intelligent Design I am struck with the possibility of bringing this dualism together. The great possibility of science is its goal to un-biasly search for and discover truths. The interpretations of these truths may be subject to people’s religions and beliefs. This opens the possibility of science explaining how a God and/or nature may work. Stephen Hawkings said in A Brief History in Time, “If we do discover a complete theory, it should in time be understandable in broad principle by everyone, not just a few scientists. Then we shall all, philosophers, scientists, and just ordinary people, be able to take part in the discussion of the question of why it is that we and the universe exist. If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason — for then we would know the mind of God.” This being said I would argue that no theory in the past has ever been completely accurate or understood and there is no reason for us to think we know it all now. I am hopeful however that we are closer.