NationStates Jolt Archive

I recetly was reading my highschool alumni newsletter -for reasons I put down to sheer boredum and my copy of Time Magazein arriving late- and found something very, very interesting. My school has come up with a solution to demands from Christian parents to teach Creationism in science.

Firstly, they out and out banned Creationism from the science lesson. Which has been the school's un-official position since the 60's. Then they did something ingenious and introduced a new madatory "Philosphy, Religion, Atheism & Tolerence" class.

Though in hindsight having a class with the acronym PRAT is just asking for trouble. But it does solve the problem. Kids are taught ID from the point of veiw of Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and a host of other religions. They also get to read the works of Plato, Aristotle and are encouraged to reach their own spirtual conclusions. In addition to this the volutary subject of Legacy -which covered the subject of racial, gender & sexuality based tolerence- was added.

I think this is perfect. It protects scientific integrity by ensuring that only science is taught in the science room AND promotes religious tolerence and understanding. Whilst aiding students in finding their own spirtual conclusions in a time when many younsters begin questioning the nature of excistence.

Could we have a few more details (like what exactly they teach about Atheism and the full list of philosophical works discussed)?

Could we have a few more details (like what exactly they teach about Atheism and the full list of philosophical works discussed)?
I don't have all the details, but they teach the historical pros and cons of various religions as part of the Atheism parts and some local Atheist group comes and explains why they reject religion, but respect the religous or something.

I'll see if I can find a list of the philosphers they use for you.

Socrates
Plato
Aristotle
Francis Bacon
Rene Descartes
John Locke
Voltaire
Jean Jacques Rousseau
Adam Smith
Immanuel Kant
Karl Marx
Friedrich Nietzsche

Bible history class is what I had in high school, I still don't believe in that simple minded garbage, but w/e, I'd rather have educated facts than simple statements such as god created it, god has always been here, god makes everything, god blah blah blah .

No David Hume... :(

Despite that it seems to be a Pilosophy and Ethics class, with Legacy mixed in. However in making it manditory they may open themselves up to all types of 1st Amendment issues (why make it manditory? And the Legacy could be thought in health class or government class, if it is not already).

There is also the question of redundency, as the History of Religion and the evolution of spiritual/religous/philosophical beliefs are covered in History class.

Bible history class is what I had in high school, I still don't believe in that simple minded garbage, but w/e, I'd rather have educated facts than simple statements such as god created it, god has always been here, god makes everything, god blah blah blah .
Which is why a like what I read. From how I understand it they will be teaching it in a casual forum, having different speakers in each week and allowing the students to interact and ask questions.

Though in hindsight having a class with the acronym PRAT is just asking for trouble.

*grins* Given that insight, they should have called it Tolerance of Religion and Atheism Philosophies... TRAP 101

No David Hume... :(

Despite that it seems to be a Pilosophy and Ethics class, with Legacy mixed in. However in making it manditory they may open themselves up to all types of 1st Amendment issues (why make it manditory? And the Legacy could be thought in health class or government class, if it is not already).

There is also the question of redundency, as the History of Religion and the evolution of spiritual/religous/philosophical beliefs are covered in History class.
Our Health Classes covered a scary depth of sex ed and the snorefest of nutrition.

No David Hume... :(

Despite that it seems to be a Pilosophy and Ethics class, with Legacy mixed in. However in making it manditory they may open themselves up to all types of 1st Amendment issues (why make it manditory? And the Legacy could be thought in health class or government class, if it is not already).

There is also the question of redundency, as the History of Religion and the evolution of spiritual/religous/philosophical beliefs are covered in History class.

Rotovia lives in South Africa (I think), so 1st amendment issues don't apply there.

Rotovia lives in South Africa (I think), so 1st amendment issues don't apply there.
Australia, born in South Africa, American passport. I'm a black, catholic with Jewish grandparents. I hope that helps to confuse you.

Australia, born in South Africa, American passport. I'm a black, catholic with Jewish grandparents. I hope that helps to confuse you.

Gah! Rotovia, damn you for being so complicated!

Gah! Rotovia, damn you for being so complicated!
lol I prefer "special" :D