unusually fair debate on intelligent design that took place on April 26th at Town Hall, Seattle. Participating in the debate were Dr. Peter G. Ward, noted University of Washington astro-biologist and co-author of Rare Earth, and Dr. Stephen C. Meyer, philosopher of science, Director of the Center for Science & Culture and author of Darwinism, Design & Public Education. The debate was sponsored by the Seattle Times and moderated by the Times' political writer, David Postman. Over 880 turned out to hear and see it.
Reporters and columnists especially should listen to this as a real debate by scientists on the science of Darwinian evolution is almost as rare as life in the universe. Take time and hear it for yourself.
I watched it and was fascinated by the interests and concerns of both sides. Philip Johnson pursues a strategy of distinguishing between "naturalism/materialism as a philosophy and empirical testing as a methodology." He notes that philosophical naturalism is incorporated in the very definition of science. As a result, a modernist considers those who believe that an actual, not merely an apparent, designer of creation, to be embracing ignorance (The Right Questions, Downer's Groove: IVP, 2002, pp. 40f, 80). Dr. Ward, an evolutionist who clearly respects Dr. Meyer as a scientist and a person, displayed a fear that should naturalism fall, ignorance would prevail.
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