For an erstwhile chair of ICOM's Ethics Committee the debate on "intelligent
design" has evoked much thought.  The posts have had many of the hallmarks
of entrenched positions with at times much heat and little light justifying
these positions.  This is a situation where a professional code of ethics
should have something to say. In responding briefly, I must emphasise that I
write personally and have no connection now with the Ethics Committee.
There seem to be three key points:  Is this just a North American 
phenomenon?  Is
the ID movement politically motivated?  Is ID science?

It is certainly not just a North American issue.  It is actively debated in
many parts of the world. One of the most recent cases has been the statement
by the Dutch minister for Science and Education, who considers that ID could
be a tool to promote dialogue between the religions, and has initiated a
Cabinet debate on the matter. The journal _Science_ (6 June) records that
this followed a "fascinating conversation" with Cees Dekker, a renowned
nanophysicist at Delft University of Technology who believes that the idea
of design in nature is "almost inescapable."

As public institutions, museums cannot escape the influences of political
ideology or remain insensitive to contemporary cultural philosophies.
Complexities arise, inevitably, when certain views of science are promoted
by organisations, such as the Discovery Institute, which also have public
policy objectives.  This is not, however, reason to discard all that they
promote.

As far as "intelligent design" is concerned the issue for museum
professionals is whether each of the numerous contributions to this concept
is well-founded.  That many arise from doctoral or post-doctoral work at
well established and respected universities should be sufficient not to
dismiss them out of hand.  What is at stake, however, is whether the
methodology of science should be restricted only to interpreting the
material aspects of the world around us or should allow any immaterial
component as well.  For the humanities this is not a difficulty.  Are we
witnessing a paradigm shift in science?

The contemporary art curator would relish the opportunity that such a
situation presents for display and exhibition.  Is this not valid in science
also?  In terms of the ICOM Code of Ethics (4.2) "Museums should ensure that
the information they present in displays and exhibitions is well-founded,
accurate and gives appropriate consideration to represented groups or
beliefs."  I would like to think that this is the spirit in which the
current issue will be treated.

Geoffrey Lewis
(past-Chair, ICOM Ethics Committee)

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