Using the lllogic of Creationism to Teach the Logic of Science

Abstract

Creationism and other pseudosciences can be invaluable in teaching students what science is by serving as fascinating examples of what it is not. Many creationist arguments have just the right appearance of authority and sophistication to intimidate a student initially, but when inspected closely they fail simply and interestingly in suitably subtle ways. Understanding their failures is challenging but possible for introductory-science students because the flaws are mostly accessible to critical thinking, although sometimes pointed hints or short reading assignments are also needed.