| Popis: |
In this work, we aim to contribute to the teachings of biological evolution by identifying and discussing aspects of the ideas about science expressed by groups/individuals involved in the biological evolution versus intelligent design debate in Brazil. Using the methodology of Discursive Textual Analysis (DTA), we analyzed specific documents produced by organizations and individuals belonging to both groups, totalling 11 documents produced by the evolution group (EVO) and 21 documents produced by the intelligent design group (ID). Our results show the existence of certain contradictions, simplifications, and distorted aspects in the ideas about science, in both groups. The ideas of the existence of a scientific proof and a scientific “true” are present in both groups, being the later more prevalent in intelligent design group than in EVO group. Both also advocate the existence of a scientific method, although the biological evolution group presents a broader view of the method, while the intelligent design group brings a narrower view. The idea of scientific temporariness is interpreted in various ways by both groups. Notably, while the biological evolution group understands it as extension of knowledge, the ID group perceives it as changing of knowledge. The thought of the philosopher Karl Popper seems to support the arguments used by both EVO and ID groups, although the latter produces shifts in the meaning of thought of this philosopher. We conclude detaching the relevance of the discussion of this debate in science education and the need for discussion of questions about the nature of science both in basic education biology classes as well as in undergraduate courses in biological sciences. |
