Review of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008) by Phil C — 14 Oct 2008

An interesting subject for a documentary, but I'm unconvinced by its fundamental point. Stein argues that the debate over intelligent desgn demands academic acceptance. But why? Galileo, Newton and Einstein all put forward revolutionary theories, many of which were rejected in their day but accepted later on. If intelligent design supporters believe it will stand the test of time, why the arrogance in needing acceptance right now?

The problem, really, is that the movie never convinces that intelligent design has a place in a science classroom. If anything, it undercuts its own argument by pointing out that close examination of any of the sciences leads many to a conclusion of intelligent design. And isn't that a more powerful argument for intelligent design than anything which could be taught in a classroom?

Ultimately, the film comes down to two key moments. One is Ben Stein's "confrontation" with Richard Dawkins. Which isn't much of a confrontation as Stein has nothing to confront Dawkins with. Is it great surprise to find out Dawkins doesn't have a clear picture of the nature of the universe? Of course not; but I think we could have guessed that without the interview.

Then there's the observations about Darwinism and Nazism which are very problematic. Hitler's religious preoccupations have been widely written about. To equate Darnwism or theism to Nazism is just plain insulting to both; it's not a clever argument to have.

Certainly not the undiginified rant some of the more tiresome critics have suggested, but never really convinces of the overall importance of the questions at hand.