Amongst a flurry of questionable bills being introduced in American states recently, a new piece of legislation in Montana would prevent scientific theories from being taught in schools. According to the Republican that sponsors the bill, it is a move to prevent the teachings of things that “aren’t true”.
It calls into question exactly how they will define what is a “theory” as opposed to a scientific “fact”, which the bill tries to address by discerning whether the results can be consistently repeated.
“WHEREAS, the purpose of K-12 education is to educate children in the facts of our world to better prepare them for their future and further education in their chosen field of study, and to that end children must know the difference between scientific fact and scientific theory,” writes the bill, titled Senate Bill No. 235.
“WHEREAS, a scientific fact is observable and repeatable, and if it does not meet these criteria, it is a theory that is defined as speculation and is for higher education to explore, debate, and test to ultimately reach a scientific conclusion of fact or fiction.”
In passing the bill, Montana would prevent any scientific ideas that are not established as “facts” – which would bar the teaching of evolution, gravity, and other integral ideas that form the basis of scientific knowledge today. As a result, the bill has already encountered significant opposition from over 20 people.
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Article URL : https://www.iflscience.com/new-montana-bill-would-prevent-schools-teaching-scientific-theories-67451