Disentangling Science & Ideology

Abstract

May’s editorial, titled “The Intrusion of Fundamentalist Religion into Biology Education,” touched on many important issues for biology educators that deserve more attention. In many ways I agree with the conclusion that “we all must be on guard for the erosion of science and intrusion of religion into education,” although this blanket statement requires more clarification. Censorship and manipulation of facts to fit religious dogma definitely erode science and education, but the discussion of ideological viewpoints (political, social, religious, economic, etc.) is a vital component of a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking. It is also important to note that the inappropriate intrusion of ideological dogma is not limited to fundamentalist religious beliefs. For example, many prominent atheists are as guilty as religious fundamentalists in pushing their ideologies into science and education. Ideology and science are inappropriately intertwined in the United States mainly, I would argue, because most citizens lack a basic understanding of the nature of science (i.e., …