Political writers tore into Republican Gov. Scott Walker in recent days for choosing to “punt” a question on evolution theory, but a leading evolutionary biologist said the question itself is essentially pointless in a political context.
During an interview in London last week, Walker — a potential contender for the 2016 GOP nomination who traveled there for a “trade mission” — was asked by a British moderator whether he’s “comfortable with” and believes in the theory of evolution.
“I’m going to punt on that one as well,” Walker said. “That’s a question a politician shouldn’t be involved in one way or the other.”
The question has become a type of litmus test on science matters for some in the political press.
On Monday, Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen wrote, “This is precisely no different than asking whether one believes in the theory of gravity or general relativity, but Walker would not answer.”
“[N]obody who wants to be taken seriously for the presidency can duck a question like, ‘Do you believe in evolution’,” wrote the National Journal’s Ron Fournier.
New York Times columnist Gail Collins mocked Walker, writing Friday that he apparently thinks “anybody can be president. As long as they don’t make you talk about evolution.” (After Colllins’ op-ed was published, the New York Times corrected it and acknowledged that the column had inaccurately credited Walker with teacher layoffs that took place in Wisconsin before he was governor.)
Dr. Jerry A. Coyne, an evolutionary biology professor at University of Chicago and author of Why Evolution is True, told the Washington Examiner media desk Tuesday that the question itself lacks substance.
“You can’t tell anything about Walker’s views on science from that question,” he said.
Coyne, who identifies himself as a Democrat, said that it is not inherently “anti-science” to eschew a definitive stance on evolution theory.
As the media storm brewed last week over Walker’s evolution punt, he issued a statement via his Twitter account, saying “both science and my faith dictate my belief that we are created by God. I believe faith and science are compatible, and go hand in hand.”
Coyne said that science is divided into many fields and evolutionary biology is unique in that it stands at odds with many religions.
“Evolution is a particular view point,” he said. “It’s the one form of scientific research that goes against people’s religious beliefs. You can’t say that about chemistry or physics. … So, you can be pro-science but deny evolution.”
Coyne added, though, that the evidence supporting evolution theory is as strong as germ theory (the assertion that microscopic organisms cause disease in the human body). “It’s irrefutable,” he said.
