I was taught that a theory is different than a law. Why then is the "theory of evolution" discussed as a law?

Question

Many people have accepted this theory to be a foundation for knowledge. It seems to me this subtracts from the objectivity a scientist should have in order to uncover truth. I am no expert on this subject and am truly asking so I may understand better the viewpoints of others.

Answer 1

In science, in physical sciences at least, a law is a scientific generalizations based on empirical evidences. For something to qualify as a law, it has to be:
1) True. There must be no repeatable contradicting observations.
2) Universal. Invariant across space and time.
3) Simple.
4) Absolute. It doesn't change.

Physical laws are different from theories by their simplicity, not their accuracy. Theories are no less true or accurate than laws. Scientific theory is usually more complex. So Einstein's work is called the thoery of relativity, because it is quite ... complex. But it is no less accurate than Newton's law: in fact, it is more accurate sometimes.

To put it in a nutshell, a law is usually a summary of empirical observations, whereas a theory is usually a model to explain those observations.

The "theory of evolution" is never discussed as a law. It is a theory and it is supported by overwhelming evidence.

Answer 2

Clearly you were not taught the correct distinction between a Law and a Theory! Shame on your teacher!

The only reason evolution remains a Theory (even though reasonable thinking folk accept it as fact, which it is!) is that it cannot be proven experimentally, it can only be proven deductively, the same way we prove a criminal is guilty of a particular crime. You were not there to witness the crime, but obviously it happened, and the evidence is conclusive how & where it happened, so you KNOW the criminal is guilty beyond any reasonable doubt.

The link below may help refresh your knowledge of what "Theory" and "Law" mean in science...don't forget, the atomic bombs dropped at Hiroshima & Nagasaki were built based on Atomic Theory! There is no "Atomic Law"! (yet...)

Answer 3

The theory of evolution is sometimes discussed as a law because there are already hundreds of discoveries that prove or give the theory the boost it needs. The media is also (partly) responsible for this. Programs on Discovery and National Geographic routinely air shows that showcase scientist's discoveries on the link of prehistoric animals to modern animals, Man's evolution, etc.

Answer 4

God is the construction of human imagination, a perception, a intellectual construct. Our fact is composed of 2 components: physically fact and intellectual constructs. Mental constructs are suggestions that do not exist in physically truth like right and flawed, simply correct and evil, racism, love and hate, possession, religion and politics. None of those concerns exist outside our minds. Fact, no longer discipline, is the genesis of the entire lot. The mathematical units and physically legislation of the universe that we've got located did not create our truth. They are handiest devices which we use to narrate. Recognition is what makes it feasible for our truth to be perceived by way of us. Consequently concentration has primacy over truth. We capabilities fact - - fact does now not revel in us. If discipline had built or rearranged by way of random chance to furnish awareness then truth itself might be conscious. Fact does no longer own concentration - - we do! Vigor, discipline, field and time do not have to be substance to be equipped to be truly to us they with ease ought to be perceived and that's how some thing can come from not anything. If energy and subject are most commonly no longer substance then they do not require a author.

Answer 5

A theory is different than a law. A theory is an explanation of some phenomenom. A law was a theory that has indisputably been proven, consistently. Evolution has been indisputably proven, so it is considered a law.

Answer 6

Because the "theory of evolution" is so much better supported by the factual evidence than are the religious fairy tales.

Answer 7

All laws started out at one time as a theory, ultimately being proved through scientific experiments and observations as incontrovertible.

Answer 8

Evolution should not be discussed as law. As people raised religious objections, some have seen it as an attack on science and reacted defense. True science will welcome criticism, religion is based on faith, and adherents tend to be defensive. Thus evolution has become a religion.