"Teach both sides"

This post is prompted by my brief mention of Gov Palin's published views on the role of creationism in public school science classes, which I understand to be something like, "Don't mandate the teaching of creationism, but allow debate." Here's the info I have:

VP Candidate Palin Supports Teaching Creationism
Posted on: August 29, 2008 1:02 PM, by Matthew C. Nisbet

In running for Governor of Alaska in 2006, GOP VP candidate Sarah Palin said she supported teaching alternatives to evolution. When asked during an election debate, she said:

"Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."

She later attempted to clarify her statement by saying in an interview:

"I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum."

She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state's required curriculum.

Allow debate? That sounds reasonable.

A suggestion: Let's allow debate on the Ptolemaic system in science classes... you know, the sun and everything else in the universe revolves around the earth! Why not? "Teach both sides!" The Copernican system was presented by Copernicus himself simply as a hypothesis that made the math easier!

Debate tip: whenever someone suggests "teaching both sides" in the context of the place of evolution in public school science classes, earnestly suggest that the same logic be applied to astronomy: teach both sides - let the Ptolemaic system be taught as well! Let the students decide.

I note that ALL our direct sensory experience supports the Ptolemaic theory, and has been encoded in our daily language: the sun rises and sets. We do not topple over with the earth spinning away below our feet.
The stars do look to be revolving nightly around our poles.
I note further that Columbus & Luther both lived in a Ptolemaic universe, and still managed to initiate profound revolutions in our understanding of the earth and our relationship with G-d.

Have a nice day.