I cannot let the landmark events in Kansas go by without a mention. The Kansas Board of Education have introduced Intelligent Design into the curriculum.

The fact that supporters of intelligent design are casting doubt on evolutionary theory is fine, it’s an important part of scientific method that our theoretical models are challenged; however, I must register my strong disapproval that the board has deemed it necessary to redefine “Science” in order to shoehorn justify their decision.

the board rewrote the definition of science, so that it is no longer limited to the search for natural explanations of phenomena.

Does anyone know where the new definition lives? I ask because it must be the same place that stores the new definitions for “bungling, botch, floundering, idiot, ignoramus, incompetent, inadequate, incapable, inept, negligent, unqualified, unobservant” and the phrase “Board of Education”.

The issue was discussed on BBC Radio 4 yesterday [requires Real Player].

Emeritus Professor Derek Denton (Biology, Univ. of Melbourne) presents a wonderful biological counter argument to the theory of intelligent design, suggesting that if it’s designed, then it wasn’t particularly intelligent.

Perhaps the Flying Spaghetti Monster will be pleased that His design is being critiqued in order that He may create a patch for Humanity 2.0 when He arrives on Earth.