Intelligent Design Argumentative Essay Assignment Prompt: We have been discussing the differences between beliefs and theories

in class. Although the terms are commonly used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. A belief requires no support or testing. A belief can be based on some evidence or not. However, a scientific theory is different. A scientific theory is defined as follows. A scientific theory summarizes a hypothesis or group of hypotheses that have been supported with repeated testing. A theory is valid as long as there is no evidence to dispute it. Therefore, theories can be disproven. Basically, if evidence accumulates to support a hypothesis, then the hypothesis can become accepted as a good explanation of a phenomenon. One definition of a theory is to say it's an accepted hypothesis. For several years there has been a debate among policy makers about an idea known as Intelligent Design that some, particularly a conservative group known as The Discovery Institute, propose to be a scientific theory that should be given equal merit to the Theory of Evolution. Most scientific organizations including the National Academy of Scientists and The American Association for the Advancement of Science disagree and say this concept does not meet the requirements to be viewed as a scientific theory.

Question: After reading the definition of a theory, watching the PBS Evolution video clips, and reading opposing viewpoints on whether or not Intelligent Design is a theory, construct an argumentative essay that either argues for or against Intelligent Design being accepted as a scientific theory. Remember to include support from these sources as well as references. Do not forget to address counterarguments in your paper.