英美报刊选读Unit 3 Education and Health.pptVIP

What do You know about Darwin and his theories? Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was an English naturalist and author. His Origin of Species (1859) and Decent of Men (1871) exerted a strong impact in the history of Western thought. In his books, Darwin hypothesized that over the millennia man had evolved from lower forms of life. Humans were special, not because God had created them in His image, but because they had successfully adapted to changing environmental conditions and had passed on their survival, making characteristics genetically. Survival of the fittest is the fact or principle of the survival of the forms of plant and animal life best fitted for existing conditions, while related but less fit forms become extinct. Part I (Para. 1-2) Introduction: A decision of the Texas Board of Education aroused a debate on Evolution. Para. 1 The suggestion on Evolution and schoolbooks was never far from my mind. Para. 2 But last week Texas and schoolbooks meant something else altogether when the state Board of Education rejected a state science curriculum that required teachers to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the theory of evolution. Part II (Para. 3-8) Main Body: My opinions on this debate Para. 3 In many ways, this battle can be seen as the last stand of the Protestant evangelicals with whom I was mingling and debating. Para. 4 I find myself somewhat drawn in by the quixotic idea that we should teach the argument. Para. 5 So by all means lets be honest with the kids, as Dr. Don Mcleroy wants us to be. Para. 6 The Texas anti-Darwin stalwarts also might want to beware of what they wish for. Para. 7 McLeroy and his allies are surely being somewhat disingenuous in asking for evolution to be taught only with all its “strengths and weaknesses.” Para. 8 It is more that evolutionists will say in advance which evidence, if found, would refute them and force them to reconsider. Part III (Para. 9) Conclusion: We may one day have cause to be gratefu