Democracy, Intelligent Design, and Evolution - Susan P. (Saint Joseph’s University Liebell - Bog

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.