Democracy, Intelligent Design, and Evolution

Is American liberalism an Enlightenment liberalism that emphasizes universal principles and autonomy or a deeply Protestant liberalism with respect for diversity of religious belief and opinion? To what extent does respect for the scientific method undergird or undercut these competing and complementary understandings of liberalism? Through an examination of Tammy Kitzmiller, et al. v. Dover Area School District, this volume shows how American civic identity has stretched to accommodate both versions of liberalism, yet any decision regarding the teaching of evolution has serious implications for diversity, autonomy, and tolerance.

Susan P. Liebell is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Saint Joseph's University. She worked in New York state government before receiving her PhD from the University of Chicago. Her scholarship employs foundational texts to explore modern political problems.

Introduction: Monkey Trials and Monkey Bills: The Politics of Political Identity; 1. The Evolving Jurisprudence of the Supreme Court: Unpacking Dover and Intelligent Design; 2. Battling Creationism with Deliberation, Autonomy, and Liberal Values; 3. Science and the Constitution: Creating an Education for Citizenship; 4. Science Education for Citizenship Skills: Dewey, Darwin, and the Democratic Temperament; 5. Earthquakes and Plows: The 18th Century Democratic Temperament; 6. Religion and Science: Refuting the Conflict Narrative; Conclusion: Making the Case for Science in Liberal Democracy