prometheusdarko
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When I hear the "Evolution is just a theory" argument
Jun 1, 2013 4:35 PM
prometheusdarko
171
28
6
ShouldBeDoingThesis
What is the "argument"?
sockadactyl
Thank you! It really rustles my jimmies.
katelikesrectangles
My pet hate: People saying theory when they mean a hypothesis.
komfyrion
Would it be correct to regard the christian genesis as a postulate?
komfyrion
I think the term can be used for claims that are made without proof. Or is the term only used alongside axiom to describe inherent truths?
daqatz
So is Life, and Gravity. Something remains a theory even if we know it exists/is true.
wereallverydifferentpeople
Dude, that statement is so false.
daqatz
We know gravity exists, we know life exists. Both are still classified as theories.
Guack
It is a theory.. may not be "just" a theory, but it is still a theory none the less
Hiino100
The meaning of theory is "a proven hypothesis". So yeah, evolution is a theory, and it's exactly why the "just a theory" argument is stupid.
jasps
Not a "proven" hypothesis. If it was proven, it wouldn't be a theory. A theory is heavily backed-up, never proven.
EarlGreyOrDeath
No, it is. We can not absolutely, 100% prove it for every organism that is, and has been alive. Once we do that, it will be fact.
sockadactyl
It is a theory, but when people say it in that context they believe "theory" means "hypothesis."
prometheusdarko
You mean law? I believe you are missing the point of the pose, people don't know what the scientific meaning of the word "Theory" is.
EarlGreyOrDeath
Oh yeah, I completely forgot about those type of people, sorry.
MarkHarris
Why does there need to be a second definition for 'theory'?
sockadactyl
"Theory: a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation." 1/3
MarkHarris
Why: Adverb
For what reason or purpose.
sockadactyl
I posted 3 replies, you are meant to read all of them. There is the actual meaning and one incorrect one, thus there does not need to be two
sockadactyl
Keyword being "tested." People who misuse the word don't know it's real definition. I think by "scientific meaning" OP meant "actual (2/3)
sockadactyl
definition" as opposed to what those less educated believe it to mean. (3/3)