Freethought & Rationalism Archive

meaganbrittney · 11-11-2002, 07:16 AM

Hi everyone... I have to do a debate for my anthropology class on creation vs. evolution. I have to argue the creation side. We will probably have about 30 to 45 minutes for the debate. I have gathered some information on views from both sides, but I am not really sure where to start. Any help to get me started would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Meagan

pz · 11-11-2002, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by meaganbrittney:
Hi everyone... I have to do a debate for my anthropology class on creation vs. evolution. I have to argue the creation side. We will probably have about 30 to 45 minutes for the debate. I have gathered some information on views from both sides, but I am not really sure where to start. Any help to get me started would be GREATLY appreciated.

An anthropology class...and you've been asked to argue for creationism? That's ridiculous. You can't do that with the tools of reason and science. Your teacher is asking you to play games with rhetoric and dishonesty -- in your position, I'd just say no.

theyeti · 11-11-2002, 07:37 AM

You should argue that if Man came from monkeys, then why aren't there any more monkeys?

Nialler · 11-11-2002, 07:39 AM

A agree. An Anthropology class is no place for this debate. What is the purpose of the debate? I would say to your teacher that science is not amenable to the type of forum where the more persuasive speaker could sway the audience into accepting something which is not true.

Even in the context of being the Devils Advocate, I would refuse the offer.

Nialler · 11-11-2002, 07:42 AM

Incidentally, I have not seen a single proof for the creationist version of events, so your topic title might be somewhat optimistic.

AbbyNormal · 11-11-2002, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by theyeti:
You should argue that if Man came from monkeys, then why aren't there any more monkeys?

That falls flat pretty fast, though, when you realize that we didn't come from monkeys.
I would take the irreducible complexity tack, perhaps throw in some of the "fine-tuning" arguments. Man, I don't envy you....

Good luck!

Jack the Bodiless · 11-11-2002, 07:55 AM

The Bible says so.

As far as I can see, this is your only option. Anyone who disagrees with YOU is disagreeing with THE WORD OF GOD.

This is actually the only creationist argument: all else falls apart upon examination. And even this argument shouldn't be looked at TOO closely.

The only context in which I've seen creationism argued "successfully" is between fundies and liberal Christians. As an atheist, I find myself frequently in agreement with the fundies: that the Bible DOES say SIX DAYS, and that the Flood is supposed to be global.

Of course, if anyone actually questions the Bible: you lose. So, rather than arguing that creationism is factually correct, you might be able to argue that creationism is "Biblically" correct, i.e. "Christian".

Most Christians are evolutionists, however.

theyeti · 11-11-2002, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AbbyNormal:

That falls flat pretty fast, though, when you realize that we didn't come from monkeys.

Of course we did. The fact that there aren't any more monkeys proves it.

Godless Dave · 11-11-2002, 08:00 AM

Tell your professor you couldn't find any scientific evidence for creationism so you can't argue that side, and see what he/she says.

Principia · 11-11-2002, 08:02 AM

Actually, depending on Meagan's stance here, I think she has been given a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the illogic and complete frustration of debating Creationists.

If I were her, I would put up the most nonsensical, stereotypical defense. Say 'the Bible said so' or 'God told me' as often as you can. Use the 'scientists are Satan's minions' rhetoric. Offer *no* scientific evidence in rebuttal. In fact, why bother with the background research?

[ November 11, 2002: Message edited by: Principia ]

11-11-2002, 07:16 AM	#1
meaganbrittney New Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: USA Posts: 2	Proof of Creationism? Hi everyone... I have to do a debate for my anthropology class on creation vs. evolution. I have to argue the creation side. We will probably have about 30 to 45 minutes for the debate. I have gathered some information on views from both sides, but I am not really sure where to start. Any help to get me started would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks, Meagan

11-11-2002, 08:02 AM	#10
Principia Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: anywhere Posts: 1,976	Actually, depending on Meagan's stance here, I think she has been given a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the illogic and complete frustration of debating Creationists. If I were her, I would put up the most nonsensical, stereotypical defense. Say 'the Bible said so' or 'God told me' as often as you can. Use the 'scientists are Satan's minions' rhetoric. Offer no scientific evidence in rebuttal. In fact, why bother with the background research? [ November 11, 2002: Message edited by: Principia ]</p>

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11-11-2002, 07:37 AM	#3
theyeti Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Denver, CO, USA Posts: 9,747	You should argue that if Man came from monkeys, then why aren't there any more monkeys?

11-11-2002, 07:39 AM	#4
Nialler Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Paris Posts: 8,473	A agree. An Anthropology class is no place for this debate. What is the purpose of the debate? I would say to your teacher that science is not amenable to the type of forum where the more persuasive speaker could sway the audience into accepting something which is not true. Even in the context of being the Devils Advocate, I would refuse the offer.

11-11-2002, 07:42 AM	#5
Nialler Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Paris Posts: 8,473	Incidentally, I have not seen a single proof for the creationist version of events, so your topic title might be somewhat optimistic.

11-11-2002, 07:55 AM	#7
Jack the Bodiless Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: UK Posts: 5,815	The Bible says so. As far as I can see, this is your only option. Anyone who disagrees with YOU is disagreeing with THE WORD OF GOD. This is actually the only creationist argument: all else falls apart upon examination. And even this argument shouldn't be looked at TOO closely. The only context in which I've seen creationism argued "successfully" is between fundies and liberal Christians. As an atheist, I find myself frequently in agreement with the fundies: that the Bible DOES say SIX DAYS, and that the Flood is supposed to be global. Of course, if anyone actually questions the Bible: you lose. So, rather than arguing that creationism is factually correct, you might be able to argue that creationism is "Biblically" correct, i.e. "Christian". Most Christians are evolutionists, however.

11-11-2002, 08:00 AM	#9
Godless Dave Contributor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: With 10,000 lakes who needs a coast? Posts: 10,762	Tell your professor you couldn't find any scientific evidence for creationism so you can't argue that side, and see what he/she says.

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