Scientists have better things to do than debate “intelligent design”

Intelligent design (ID) has tried to get some pity points from the allegation that they are being persecuted academically. Rather than saying “that’s ridiculous,” I would say that they certainly are being persecuted, but with good reason, and it’s more a matter of eye-rolling boredom. Scientists are rightly disgusted with IDers because they are fed up with an argument that was over several decades ago. They have better things to do.

ID isn’t a brave new idea that is poised to upset the mainstream: it’s just a cowardly old delusion kept alive by unqualified ideologues. Debating IDers is like arguing with illiterates about how to use a semicolon.