How many know the difference between a scientific theory and a non-scientific, general theory?
Does one half of the US honestly not know the definition/meaning of scientific theory? Our education system has failed miserably if this is so.
2007-01-09 08:08:33 · 17 answers · asked by Sun: supporting gay rights 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Probably way more than one half.
2007-01-09 08:12:25 · answer #1 · answered by mullah robertson 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I feel it is far more than one half. Even some basically rational people think that theories eventually get promoted to laws because of the promiscuous, non-scientific use of both terms.
Do people realize that there is no law of gravity and that Newton's theory of gravity is wrong? It has been supplanted by newer theories and those, in turn, may be supplanted as well. And yet, apples still fall to the ground.
Darwin's theory of evolution may be supplanted by other theories of evolution, there are several competing evolutionary theories at the moment. It has not and will not be supplanted by Intelligent Design (ID). IDiots have not offered a theory to explain the observations. When they do, it can be tested to see if it's wrong.
That's the most you can expect from a theory - that it is falsifiable (that there is a test which it can, possibly fail) and that it hasn't been falsified yet.
Little by little we build on our past knowledge by modifying our past beliefs. Evolutionary theory, like all theories, evolves.
Go in peace to love and serve the truth.
2007-01-09 16:44:13 · answer #2 · answered by Dave P 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A scientific theory is a premises based upon observational data. The larger the theory, the less likely it will become scientific principle. That does not mean it is not scientific fact, for to become a principle, every single aspect would have to be tested and worked out. Obviously with evolution, this is impossible. Though it is agreed upon through scientific evidence by the thousands that it is indeed scientific fact, with 97% of the scientific community evolutionists.
2007-01-09 16:15:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Indeed!
They don't understand that a theory has to fit all data and that if it is EVER proven wrong in the tiniest way it is rejected completely. You can never prove a theory correct - but if we've had one like evolution for over a century and its been attacked and stood up to all criticism there must be something to it! Einstein's relativity replaced Newton's ideas of gravitation but in terms of evolution it would be like a creationist saying we could all float off in to space at any second because Newton's gravitation was 'only a theory'!
For any religious people who don't understand why we are continually infuriated by the casual thoughtless phrase 'its only a theory' please read through this article by the late and very respect Stephen Gould http://www.stephenjaygould.org/library/gould_fact-and-theory.html
*Theoph.. whatever your name is - you obviously don't get it. Its a theory - and a fact - read that link. Or just hide in your ignorance but don't keep acting like an idiot when we've taken pains to explain what a scientific theory is!*
2007-01-09 16:12:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, it's probably a lot more than one-half. The people who think Intelligent Design can be taught in science classes (either alone or alongside evolution) obviously don't know what it means, or else they'd know that ID isn't a scientific theory. And that's over 50% of the country right there, according to many polls. So who knows what the real percentage is. Sad, sad, sad.
2007-01-09 16:16:01 · answer #5 · answered by . 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think our education system must be failing miserably. I agree its probably more than half that don't understand the definition of a theory in science versus its general use in common language.
2007-01-09 16:14:57 · answer #6 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Most don't know the meaning of the word 'theory' let alone anything referable to science.
So, if you know how dumb the mean average person is, then SCIENTIFICALLY, HALF are dumber than that.
And of course, only half of you are chuckling at the moment, unless you've heard this one before, and then you are groaning. But it means the same either way.
2007-01-09 16:18:18 · answer #7 · answered by Lorenzo Steed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they don't. If they did, they would be exposing the hoax of evolution as a scientific theory. Evolution is a metaphysical dogma - a religious belief. It has no scientific merit. It is not a product of the Scientific Method.
And yes, out education system has failed miserably. Most people don't even know what form of government they live in (republic, not democracy). They don't understand our Constitution. They have no idea of the Electoral College, and can't understand why the president is not elected by popular vote (because he is elected by the states, not the people).
I'll get off my soapbox.
2007-01-09 16:25:40 · answer #8 · answered by iraqisax 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
No where near one-half. scientific education is far too political to be done well in the US prior to college. It doesn't help that politicoreligious groups want to stiffle scientific knowledge for purely self-interest.
2007-01-09 17:22:27 · answer #9 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
FACT= micro evolution
theory soon to be fact= evolution
who said it was a theory anyway when they have all this evidence to suggest otherwise who cares if it is so slow you cant see it happening to the larger organisms it takes time
2007-01-09 16:14:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Obviously intelligent design is just a way to try to bring God in through the back door. God doesn't need our help. Your description of evolution as a theory is correct. It is just that.
2007-01-09 16:17:37 · answer #11 · answered by Paulie D 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋