[ Download debate between PZ Myers and G. Simmons from RichardDawkins.net]
[Comments by PZ Myers on Pharyngula on the debate]
This recording shows an actual radio debate between a biologist (Myers) and a representative of the Discovery Institute (Simmons). It follows a very predictable script in spite of being unscripted.
Points I remember…
1. actual debate topic fuzzy up until the event; attempt to change to a science = faith debate.
2. criticism of “Darwinism” rather than evolution. Attack on Darwin as a person to discredit evolution (he’s not peer-reviewed, he’s a racist, etc.) Riposte by biologist that the topic is “biology” not “Darwin”. Riposte by I.D. debator that “everyone thinks of it as Darwinism”
3. criticism of lack of fossils of giraffes, whales. Riposte by the biologist that there are lots of fossils of prehistoric whales showint the evolutionary lineage. Biologist’s patience tested.
4. Intelligent Design debater complains he is not being shown respect.
5. Use of the “I can’t believe such complexity could arise without design” argument
I think it can be helpful as a primer for someone who’s been talked into debating evolution, to show these potential pitfalls.
