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Visiting scholar tackles evolution-creation debate

March 14, 2006

KALAMAZOO--The debate in America between Biblical literalists and evolutionists will be in the spotlight Thursday, March 16, during a presentation on the Western Michigan University campus.

Dr. Michael Ruse, the Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy and director of the Program in the History and Philosophy of Science at Florida State University, will address "The Evolution-Creation Struggle: A Very American Story" at 7 p.m. in Fetzer Center's Kirsch Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

Ruse will explore the debate, why it is so persistent and why it is such an American phenomenon. He argues that in many respects, the evolution-creation struggle is a litmus test for unresolved conflicts in American culture that go back to the 18th century and were exacerbated by the Civil War. Ruse believes that until it is realized fully as a moral and social, as well as a religious struggle, there is no hope of resolution.

Ruse is the author of many books, including "Taking Darwin Seriously" and "Darwin and Design: Does Evolution Have a Purpose?" In his recent book, "The Evolution-Creation Struggle," Ruse calls for both sides of the controversy to understand the assumptions underlying their arguments and to engage in a more informed approach to the issues rather than engage in inflammatory debate.

The program is presented by the WMU Center for the Study of Ethics in Society and supported by the Michael K. and Shirley Bach Endowment for the Ethics Center.

Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

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