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FOTO: Marius Nergård Pettersen
Evolution Still Causing Stir
“Monopoly on Darwin at UiO”
At the University of Oslo (UiO) teaching is based on the theory of evolution. But is an existential debate part of the curriculum, or is the theory of evolution a scientific truth?
På norskUniversitas reported earlier of how Darwinism is challenged at UiO in connection with Transdenominational Network. A Physics professor is now seeking a debate on the monopoly of the evolution theory at the universities.
“I am aware of people who have studied Biology with a critical view on the theory of evolution as a starting point. But after getting their PhDs, they have become supporters of the evolution theory. What is actually going on behind the academic curtains?” Peder Tyvand, Professor of Physics at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Ås, wonders.
He is critical to what he calls “an evolution monopoly” at the universities. Tyvand is also part of the editorial staff of the periodical Origo. Origo concerns itself with questions of science, creation and ethics. Their stance is that life is created.
Seeking Openness
Tyvand is savaging Dag Hessen, Professor of Biology at UiO and author of Mennesket i et nytt lys: Darwinisme og utviklingslære i Norge (Man has to be viewed in a different light; the role of darwinian ideas in Norway).
“Hessen is escaping any debate as if he were an anxious antelope,” Tyvand says.
Hessen, however, thinks that UiO keeps an open mind and invites Tyvand to dismiss the theory of evolution.
“If Tyvand can produce cutting-edge findings, then any scientific journal would be interested,” Hessen encourages.
Hessen, on the other hand, explains the supremacy of the evolution theory as follows:
“Research is based on trying out various theories and on finding the most likely hypothesis. Historically, there have been various approaches as to how evolution took place. The contemporary approach is that of Darwin’s, which is the most likely,” Hessen says.
“What is your stand as to the claim that evolution critics among students have been molded into supporters after graduation?”
“I would never give bad marks to students who are critics of the evolution theory as long as they follow proper scientific research methods,” Hessen says.
Tyvand, on the other hand, holds that he has methods to show for and points out that:
“Population genetics as a theory is a traditional darwinian view. Seeing as how I have published articles within this field, nobody can stand the fact that I do not support the theory of evolution.”
Evolution Criticism Part of Curriculum?
Two years ago, Kristelig Medisinerkrets, a Christian union of Medicine students, campaigned in favour of evolution criticism as part of the curriculum. Supporter and former member Espen Heen explains that their letter has yet to be replied.
“We have not received an official response. Furthermore, we asked for a meeting but they turned us down,” he explains.
Heen describes the letter as an attempt to introduce a debate on the role of evolution as part of the curriculum.
“Students who question the theory of evolution are sometimes ridiculed by lecturers,” he points out.
Heen thinks that some professors are reluctant to face a dialogue and to open their eyes towards alternative methods.
Øyvind Haldorsen, student at the Faculty of Medicine, feels that the theory of evolution sometimes takes up too much of the curriculum.
“Do you feel forced to accept Darwin as a result of teaching methods?”
“I do not feel forced. But there is a lack of openness concerning Darwinism at UiO,” Haldorsen says.
He refers to an incident where a professor started a lecture by pointing out that it is futile to question evolution.
“Pointless”
Sub-Dean Per Brodal at the Faculty of Medicine disagrees that the theory of evolution takes up too much of the curriculum.
“Contemporary Biology becomes pointless if the theory of evolution is disregarded. It would be wrong to juxtapose the evolution theory with, for instance, Genesis,” he says.
Brodal underlines that he is no expert, but he is making a statement as a Sub-Dean.
“Why did Kristelig Medisinerkrets not receive a response to their letter?”
“It is my opinion that Kristelig Medisinerkrets did receive a response through various professional circles,” he says.
