TalkOrigins Archive
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[edit] Definition
TalkOrigins Archive contains an archive of information on the evolution/creationism argument presented from the scientific point of view.
[edit] History
The TalkOrigins archive was founded in 1998. In their own words:
- "Talk.origins is a Usenet newsgroup devoted to the discussion and debate of biological and physical origins. Most discussions in the newsgroup center on the creation/evolution controversy, but other topics of discussion include the origin of life, geology, biology, catastrophism, cosmology and theology.
- The Talk.Origins Archive is a collection of articles and essays, most of which have appeared in talk.origins at one time or another. The primary reason for this archive's existence is to provide mainstream scientific responses to the many frequently asked questions (FAQs) that appear in the talk.origins newsgroup and the frequently rebutted assertions of those advocating intelligent design or other creationist pseudosciences."
[edit] Content
The site includes archived articles supplying a wealth of evidence for evolution; articles debunking of all the commonest creationist arguments (and most of the really obscure ones); articles debunking specific creationist texts; and articles on other topics creationists like to discuss, such as the Big Bang and abiogenesis. All their articles are meticulously referenced with footnotes to the scientific literature on which they are based. The archives are searchable by keyword.
They also provide an archived feedback service. They are willing to answer the most intemperate rants of Young Earth Creationists, and more than willing --- grateful, even --- to help out those who ask polite questions and thank them for their trouble.
The TalkOrigins archive is the premier internet site for information on the evolution/creation argument. Although they cannot offer you a complete education in everything you might wish to know about evolution, they are certainly a one-stop-shop for all your creationist-debating needs.
The contributors adhere variously to all religious views and none: they are united only by their shared scientific knowledge and their disgust for creationist pseudoscience.
[edit] Wikifying the Talk Origins archive
Beginning in August 2003, the talkorigins archive has been copied into a wiki called "The Evolution Education Wiki" or EvoWiki for short.
This project appears to have begun as a suggestion between posters at the Internet Infidels Forum (rather like the Skepticwiki began in the JREF Forum) To date (mid November 2005) the EvoWiki has more than 2270 articles, and appears to be of a consistently high quality thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated editors.
