Media Perspectives on Intelligent Design and Evolution

This nonideological analysis of the debate regarding intelligent design and evolution reveals the intentional distortions and unseen influences of modern media that skew the public's view of world events and controversial issues.
The modern debate over the validity of the opposing intelligent design and evolution positions has continued for over 20 years and ended up in the courtroom more than once. Media Perspectives on Intelligent Design and Evolution seeks to present readers with an even-handed, unbiased explanation of the issues within this heated debate and show how the media subtly "frames"--or depicts--the dispute.

Ideal as a reference text for high school and college students, this book examines the controversies in schools in Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Georgia; the major court decisions concerning the teaching of intelligent design in public schools; and the role of organizations such as the Discovery Institute and the National Science Teachers Association in the debate over intelligent design. Specific examples of how media such as network and cable news providers have portrayed the issue of intelligent design in schools demonstrate the powerful influence of media upon public opinion.
- Provides brief biographical profiles on some of the key individuals in the debate regarding evolution and intelligent design, including philosopher William Dembski of Seattle's Discovery Institute and former Harvard paleontologist Stephen J. Gould

- Presents primary documents and photographs that support the text, as well as a timeline of the intelligent design-evolution debate

- Includes an annotated bibliography for suggestions on further reading