From the Union

THIS TERM AT the Union Society takes a more scientific approach.

The first debate of term, on civil liberties, saw a packed chamber hearing speakers such as David Davis, the former Shadow Home Secretary. The Inter-Collegiate Cup took place in week two of term and saw St. Aidan’s College win the final.

The second Friday of term saw a debate on British-manned space exploration, with speakers such as Professor Matt Griffin, who is leading the international consortium behind SPIRE (Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver), one of Herschel’s three instruments.

Last Friday saw the lively debate on the death penalty, with the chamber filled with contrasting views.

This Friday (13th Feb), the Union debates the teaching of intelligent design (ID) in science lessons. ID is a theory which states that certain features of living things are best explained by an intelligent designer, rather than by evolution through natural selection. Advocates of ID argue that it is a scientific theory – however this is refuted by the vast majority of the scientific community. The teaching of ID was challenged in America, with Professor Fuller speaking as an expert witness for ID. In 2006, Truth in Science (a British organisation of which Dr. Taylor is a member) sent intelligent design teaching packs to every secondary school in the country.

With ID on the rise in Britain, this important debate is not to be missed. Those speaking include Prof. Fuller, Dr. Taylor, Dr Alexander (a biochemist) and James Williams, who lectures in science education.

Next Friday (20th Feb), the Union debates the state of ‘Britain’s broken society’. Nick Herbert MP, the former Shadow Justice Secretary, will propose that only a Conservative government can fix it. On the other hand, Simon Hughes MP, the ex-Liberal Democrat President, and Derek Draper, a former advisor to New Labour, will both speak for the opposition. Both these debates promise to be interesting and thought-provoking. I hope to see many of you there in the audience.

As always, if you ever have a free evening, check the term card and see what’s on – get involved in the Union Society!