Preposterous Universe

 
Conservatives adopt ignorance and irrationality as official positions

Okay, I suppose there is no official "conservative platform" that people get together and vote on. But it's clear that mainstream conservatism is increasingly comfortable with the idea of attacking science and supporting creationism. The latest indication is this notice for an upcoming Heritage Foundation event (from Pharyngula and Political Animal):

A growing number of scientists around the world no longer believe that natural selection or chemistry, alone, can explain the origins of life. Instead, they think that the microscopic world of the cell provides evidence of purpose and design in nature — a theory based upon compelling biochemical evidence. Join us as Dr. Stephen C. Meyer, a key design theorist and philosopher of science, explains this powerful and controversial concept on the mysteries of life.

What a blatant pack of lies. And not lies about contestable political opinions, either. (You will not be surprised to learn that Dr. Meyer has no degrees in biology.)

The Heritage Foundation isn't a fringe group devoted to promulgating superstition -- it's one of the most influential conservative think tanks. I know there are plenty of people who are educated and intellectually honest and think of themselves as conservative -- at what point do their heads begin to explode?

~ posted by Sean Carroll at 9:49 AM ~ link ~ ~ ~