Lecture on evolution, creationism to mark Darwin's birth
Contact: Rene Abadie
4/14/09
HAMMOND – Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University professor of philosophy and a widely recognized scholar on the issue of evolution and creationism, will speak at Southeastern April 23 on the legacy of Charles Darwin in commemoration of this year’s bicentennial of the scientist’s birth.
Forrest’s presentation will be held on the third floor of Sims Memorial Library at 2 p.m.
This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the publishing of Darwin’s “The Origin of Species,” considered a key publication that postulated the theory that populations of organisms evolve over time through a process of natural selection.
“The theory of evolution has probably had more impact on Western society than any other scientific concept,” said Forrest, co-author of the book “Creationism’s Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design” and a recipient of both the Southeastern’s President’s Award for Excellence in Research and the Award for Excellence in Teaching. “Darwin’s work is considered by some as representing perhaps the greatest intellectual revolution experienced by mankind.”
Forrest also will discuss the Louisiana Science Education Act, a law passed last year that authorizes local school districts to permit science teachers to use creationist materials in science instruction.
Because of her work in the area of creationism and intelligent design, Forrest served as a crucial expert witness in “Kitzmiller et al v. Dover (PA) Area School District,” a 2005 federal case in which plaintiffs sought to prevent the teaching of intelligent design.More News...
