I said that evolution is called a theory because scientist have no proof to call it a fact. I knew that would have illicted a lot of comments. If the Theory of Evolution is such a fact that it's proof is set in concret, why do the text books change the theory every few years?
2006-12-04 17:50:22 · 11 answers · asked by ted.nardo 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because, unlike Bible literalists who already "know" the answer, scientists work at learning NEW things, and expand upon their theories. Science changes, unlike stagnant religious texts.
2006-12-04 17:53:39 · answer #1 · answered by The Wired 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Probably a lot of people corrected you as to your misinterpretation of the word 'theory' in a scientific sense. In caes they didn't, here we go again. Straight from a scientist - that would be me.
A theory is the most powerful tool science has. Theory doens't mean 'guess', or 'hypothesis', or 'idea'. Theories do not get elevated to facts; they encompass facts. Gravitational theory encompasses Newton's laws of gravity, Kepler's laws, the fact that g=9.8 m/s^2 at the surface of the Earth, orbital mechanics, relativity, etc. Atomic theory includes the facts of atomic structure, mechanisms of radiation, energy levels in the atom, etc. And evoutionary theory encompasses the fact of the fossil record, the genetic evidence for evolution, the fact of natural selection, etc.
Do you understand now? Evolution occurs, thus it is factual, but will forever be known as a theory in the scientific sense because it transcends fact. It can be used to predict and explain things, not just give you numbers (as can laws).
Our understanding of science and the details changes as we encounter new evidence. Science is always changing, always 'evolving', but towards a more complete picture. We'll never be done refining our theories, but that doesn't make them any less valid.
2006-12-05 01:59:19 · answer #2 · answered by eri 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Evolution is a fact. The Theory of Evolution is only a theory. That humans evolved from lesser life forms is considered a fact by all reputable scientists. The exact steps of the evolutionary process are the only things debated. Xians have spread lies about this excessively. "Christian Science" is an oxymoron. Even the Vatican recognizes evolution as fact. The fundies think the Catholics are going to hell anyway.
2006-12-05 01:53:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Evolution is fact. The theory part is how it happens. Kind of like the theory of gravity. Since when do science books change ever few years?
2006-12-05 11:05:47 · answer #4 · answered by Take it from Toby 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because they must change it frequently so no one catches on that it is all just theory. I can't believe that evolution is in are text books, when there is no real evidence. People who believe this lie are trying to excape the fact that there is a higher power which is God.
But Evolution is fact when it comes to certain things, like germs, and how we keep getting smarter. Its because wil adapt to are surroundings, but evolution does NOT exist when it comes to humans being man.
2006-12-05 01:56:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
they don't change thetheory, they add to it as they learn more. Evolution can be proved in your own family. if it wasn't for theway evolution works, you would look exactly like your same-sex parent, and grandparent. You are bigger than your grandparents, because of evolution, and you will live longer than they thought possible. All evolution is is an organism adapting to the conditions it lives in. Evolution is also why we can't cure thecommon cold or aids, because germs and viruses mutate(evolution) to defend themselves against drugs.
Evolution doesn't involve huge drastic changes, but tiny, almost unnoticed ones that make one mutation better able to cope with one situation than another.
2006-12-05 01:58:13 · answer #6 · answered by judy_r8 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Scientists test and revise the theory, but the changes are subtle. The textbooks are periodicly revised as better examples of key points are discovered.
2006-12-05 02:42:10 · answer #7 · answered by novangelis 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because evolution means change. We used to have longer fingers than we do now, we don't need longer fingers anymore.
The more changes that are discovered then the textbooks are changed.
Evolution has nothing to do with creation. God did that!
2006-12-05 02:04:12 · answer #8 · answered by Cat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
huh? changes to the theory do not dispute it's underlining facts.
it is a fact that evolution occurs, the theory explains how it occurs, with new information the "how" can be re calibrated to best fit the facts.
it's a good thing that science is not dogma. ;)
2006-12-05 01:53:27 · answer #9 · answered by PandaMan 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
guhhh gravity is a theory too. Does that mean it doesn't exist? Try again.
2006-12-05 01:54:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋