D-FW experts of all kinds recruited for upcoming Expelled panel

by Chad Jones

On Tuesday, April 29th at 7:15 pm, the Dallas Philosopher's Forum will be hosting a panel discussion at the Angelika Theatre over the supa-controversial film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.

The film is named after the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. OK it's not, but congratulations, you just saw a penis.

The documentary, which decided to have its world premiere in Dallas, accuses the American scientific and academic community of unfair bias against educators who espouse the theory of intelligent design.

For their forum, the DPF has recruited UT Dallas biology professor Stephen D. Levene, SMU's film expert Rick Worland as well as Frank Sherwin, science editor at the Institute for Creation Research, which is currently (as of last year) headquartered in Dallas on Royal Lane. Yes, it's true.

According to campus press bits, UTD's Levene will be speaking against the film's main premise. Naturally.*

But, says the DPF's Andrew Laska, the panel is by no means attempting to truly pit intelligent design vs. evolution.

"Instead of discussing the merits of either side, we plan to concentrate on the film, on Stein's reasoning in making his conclusions," Laska said.

The documentary film is in current release and features writer, actor and comedian Ben Stein. Note: the film will not be shown at the event, so attendees are urged to see it in advance. Or just come anyway and get real angry and offended and glare at other people. Either way.

The event, co-sponsored by PegasusNews, is free for forum members and $5 for non-members.

Dallas Philosopher’s Forum Panel Discussion on ‘Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed’

When:	Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 7:15 p.m.
Where:	Angelika Film Center & Cafe, 5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
Cost:	Free - $5
Age limit:	All ages
Full event details »

*pun

Staff
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Anonymous

"D-FW experts of all kinds recruited for upcoming Expelled panel"? Come-on! Given the "social and cultural bent" of Dallas (can you spell elitist), arguably; no objective resource of experts could possibly be derived. Picking people randomly from the films audience would probably be just as objective, far more fair, and doubtless more entertaining. That is unless you subscribe to the view that previous opinion pieces have winnowed away the "objective" and left only supporters of the film?

EdWeirdness Anonymous

1 year, 6 months ago
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They're all out to getcha, Ed!

Chad didn't claim they were objective - simply experts. Typically, experts are specialists...meaning they don't have to be objective to be good at their craft. Not to mention, objective peeps wouldn't be as entertaining.

I hope you plan on attending, Ed. Otherwise your 'think for yourself' theory on letting media determine whether you act on something is poo.

Scott Doyle Verified

1 year, 6 months ago
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Experts on what? Creationist propaganda? It would seem Ben Stein has cornered the market.

WhitneyTM Anonymous

1 year, 6 months ago
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Maybe you guys can discuss the philosophical implications of <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120839097431221369.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">copyright abuse</a> as well.

David Gouldin Staff

1 year, 6 months ago
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It never ceases to amaze me that in 2008 we can still have people clinging to primitive beliefs dating back thousands of years. But,when they seek to use those beliefs to slow the progress of scientific discovery, and to substitute fairy tales for valid scientific education, then we should all stand up and say enough is enough!