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Scopes Trial

Definition

A 1925 court case in which high school teacher John Scopes was accused of violating Tennessee's law against teaching evolution. The trial highlighted the tension between science and religion in American society.

Analogy

Imagine if a teacher got into trouble for teaching about climate change because some people didn't believe it was real. That's similar to what happened in the Scopes Trial - a clash between scientific facts and personal beliefs.

Related terms

Fundamentalism: A form of religion that upholds strict adherence to traditional doctrines, often in opposition to modern scientific theories. It’s like refusing to update your phone software because you believe the old version is perfect.

Evolution Theory: The scientific theory explaining species' development over time due to genetic changes. It’s like how your favorite video game character levels up and evolves as you progress through the game.

Separation of Church and State: The principle that government should not interfere with religious practices or institutions, and vice versa. It’s like keeping your school life separate from your home life – each has its own rules and neither should dictate how the other operates.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.