2007-01-23 11:03:24 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Because the scientific term "theory" does not mean the same thing as the common use of the word. If the theory of plate tectonics or evolution were a step higher on the ladder, they would be scientific laws. Scientific laws are accepted as true and universal without complex proofs and are on about the same level as a postulate in mathematics. A scientific theory is more complex and explains more than a law, because a scientific theory is an explanation for a set of observations, and based on proven hypotheses. A scientific theory must also be verified multiple times by independent research. Lower on the level is the hypothesis which I mentioned above. It amounts to an educated guess, and is then tested if possible. It is also about the same thing as what most people mean when they say "theory".
2007-01-23 11:09:08 · answer #1 · answered by Now and Then Comes a Thought 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The word "theory" means that its an excepted fact. The word "hypothesis" means that it is only an idea and is not proof yet. So, plate tectonics is an excepted idea. Studies and experiments show that the earth is moving along plate boundaries so it can be called a "theory" . To be called a theory you must prove you hypothesis and be able to replicate the results.
2007-01-24 01:12:19 · answer #2 · answered by Professor Kitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because all scientific ideas are just concepts that help explain the facts. Other concepts might do as well, and other concepts will become necessary when new facts fail to fit the theory. The difference between science and religion is that science revises its conceptual system to fit the facts, whereas religion does not. Religion all too often ignores or distorts facts (creationism) to save its belief system. You can decide for yourself which is more honest. Quantum electrodynamics is accurate to 12 decimal places, but in science it's still a theory. The next discovery could force a profound revision.
2007-01-23 19:10:58 · answer #3 · answered by Philo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In science a theory is much more than just an idea or a guess. A theory has a lot of research behind it and is accepted as being true.
2007-01-23 19:07:42 · answer #4 · answered by ecolink 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably for the same kinds of reasons (or excuses) that evolution is still called a theory.
2007-01-23 19:06:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
probably because even though there is a lot of supporting evidence (earth quake patterns) we do not see any effect in our daily lives, (I want to see the flight time to England longer and Hawaii shorter before I consider plate tectonics indisputable)
2007-01-23 19:15:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Becasue its a bit difficult to dupicate.
2007-01-23 19:07:30 · answer #7 · answered by philip_jones2003 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋