Why are Americans scientifically illiterate?
Polls clearly show most Americans believe humans were created directly by God in the present form. Are we surprised!? This relates to two independent factors: America is a religious culture, and… Americans are also scientifically illiterate and embrace psuedoscience, according to a report by the National Science Board. A portion of this report found [here] on the government’s National Science Foundation website, deals with public scientific literacy. Some quotes from the report:
“In addition, belief in pseudoscience (an indicator of scientific illiteracy) seems to be widespread among Americans…. Researchers have concluded that fewer than one-fifth of Americans meet a minimal standard of civic scientific literacy … it is possible to conclude that most Americans (two-thirds in 2001) do not have a firm grasp of what is meant by the scientific process. This lack of understanding may explain why a substantial portion of the population believes in various forms of pseudoscience. “
So, why are Americans scientifically illiterate? Consider this: One in four U.S. high school teachers devoted classroom time to creationism or intelligent design, and one in eight presented creationism as a valid alternative to evolution, says a poll published in the Public Library of Science Biology.
Ouch. Even the Vatican’s chief astronomer says ‘Intelligent Design is not science’. Is the Vatican a high enough religious authority for you?
It is clear that the concepts of evolutionary biology are clearly not within the grasp of most Americans. The National Science Board says that it is important for basic scientific literacy to be better able to “participate in public discourse on science-related issues.” However, most Americans believe the dinosaurs and humans coexisted, most do not know that electrons are smaller than molecules, and barely half know that it takes one year for the earth to orbit the sun. 70% of college aged adults (18-24) could not find New Jersey on a US map, 87% could not find Iraq on a world map. Take into account, these are national polls, the scores for say … Tennessee - I dare say would be much lower.
Watch how the fraud of intelligent design was pushed in the Dover case in the PBS NOVA documentary: Judgment Day. It discusses the fact that 150 years later, new science and discoveries continue to confirm and refine Darwin’s basic theory.
Since most of the attacks on science seem to be coming from the right wing, it leads one to believe that education is a liberal virtue.
Why are Americans scientifically illiterate? I guess that is why it is so easy to push the Global Warming Crap down their throats.
You should get a life, William.
Really.
Are you kidding me? Education is what’s giving the broad ignorance you cite in your post. The common denominator in the lack of basic science, math, english and geography skills is the US public education system in each and every example you give.
Unless you want to blame the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy for infiltrating the big teachers unions and causing this, which it seems you are suggesting. Either the VRWC or religion, which you don’t hate, as you keep reminding us (even after posting reasons why you hate Christianity).
I do not hate Christianity, I was raised a Christian and have studied it extensively. Many of my family are Christian.
Why are Americans scientifically illiterate?
Of all of the people on this planet to ask that question it is supreme irony for you to ask it.
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