Witness: 'Intelligent design' not science

Lawsuit challenges teaching alternative to evolution

Wednesday, September 28, 2005; Posted: 1:11 p.m. EDT (17:11 GMT)

Plaintiff's expert witness Robert Pennock, right, walks to court with attorney Eric Rothschild.

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (AP) -- The concept of "intelligent design" is a form of creationism and is not based on scientific method, a professor testified Wednesday in a trial over whether the idea should be taught in public schools.

Robert T. Pennock, a professor of science and philosophy at Michigan State University, testified on behalf of families who sued the Dover Area School District. He said supporters of intelligent design don't offer evidence to support their idea.

"As scientists go about their business, they follow a method," Pennock said. "Intelligent design wants to reject that and so it doesn't really fall within the purview of science."

Pennock said intelligent design does not belong in a science class, but added that it could possibly be addressed in other types of courses.