Many people learned in elementary school that a theory falls in the middle of a hierarchy of certainty--above a mere hypothesis but below a law. Scientists do not use the terms that way, however. According to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), a scientific theory is "a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses." No amount of validation changes a theory into a law, which is a descriptive generalization about nature. So when scientists talk about the theory of evolution--or the atomic theory or the theory of relativity, for that matter--they are not expressing reservations about its truth.
In addition to the theory of evolution, meaning the idea of descent with modification, one may also speak of the fact of evolution. The NAS defines a fact as "an observation that has been repeatedly confirmed and for all practical purposes is accepted as 'true.'"
2007-06-16
11:18:57
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11 answers
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asked by
Anonymous
in
Society & Culture
➔ Religion & Spirituality
The fossil record and abundant other evidence testify that organisms have evolved through time. Although no one observed those transformations, the indirect evidence is clear, unambiguous and compelling.
So no more "..but it's only a theory.." remarks please..!!
2007-06-16
11:19:38 ·
update #1
You are correct. I found a link that explains this in more detail;
http://wilstar.com/theories.htm
We did find the bones. There are many, many transitional forms, and they are discovering new ones. In the past few years they've discovered a dinosaur with feathers. But show these bones to a Creationist, and they stuff their fingers in their ears and start singing, "La la la, I'm not listening!"
What you have to realize about Creationists is this -- no amount of evidence will ever convince them that Evolution is true. I know it is hard to understand how an intelligent, rational individual could ignore, gloss over, or explain away the mountains of evidence for macro-evolution. But rejecting the fact of evolution is not a rational decision. It is an emotional decision made out of fear. For some Christians, the importance of Jesus depends on the necessity of Salvation, the necessity of Salvation depends on the reality of "Original Sin," and the reality of "Original Sin" depends on a literal Adam and a literal Eve and a literal Garden of Eden and a literal Tree and a literal Apple and a literal Talking Snake. So they've taken this deeply symbolic and allegorical mythology and propped it up as history, and then convinced themselves that the eternal fate of their souls after death depends on it being Literally True. This is why they are so threatened by Science -- because they've built their faith on a foundation of sand. When you tell them that there is ample evidence for Evolution, here's what they're hearing, "There is no God and you're going to Die." Never mind the fact that many people believe in both God and Evolution, including Christians. I believe the Catholic Church even accepted the idea of Evolution. But for these Christian Fundamentalists whose faith demands that the Bible be literally true cover-to-cover, the Theory of Evolution amounts to a death-threat -- the denial of their hope for Eternal Life with Jesus after death. So, unless they are able to reconcile their faith with an allegorized Bible, they will never accept Modern Science or the Theory of Evolution. And we're not going to convince them. The best thing we can do is to keep fighting for the right to teach Science as Science in public schools, and keep this Intelligent Design nonsense out of it.
2007-06-16 11:57:09
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Interesting that none of what you said actually defies the true definition of the word theory. In the end it is still a theory, an imagined idea of what could be, based on the knowledge that they have. Here is the thing- If science had all the answers, completely understood everything there was to understand about the universe (even just as it is today) and came up with a theory that they wanted to treat as law, that would be one thing- but even with all that we know and understand, we have not even scratched the surface- there are new discoveries daily and old ideas and "understandings" are constantly being proven false or changed by newer information- even the theory of evolution itself has changed overtime. There are so many simple things in common daily life that scientists have not been able to figure out. Regardless of what your preferred definition is, a theory based on assumption and limited knowledge is nothing more than a theory. It's just basic common sense.
2016-05-17 11:24:41
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answer #2
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answered by porsha 3
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I believe in Science and in evolution. However, I still believe in a creator which is God. God is the one who created everything including evolution in order for us to survive.
As far as fear of death, nah that is not it. I would die to save a loved one or a child if I could. I am scared of living forever and enduring suffering on this earth. Non-believers are the ones who are fearful people and also people who do not look at evidence that also does point to creationism. oh well it does not matter, because I do not have to see to believe. So yes there is evolution that comes from a creator and even Darwin was a Christian.
Why do you have to be so cruel and angry towards Christians. To me that is weird and you need to seek some medication to level out your brains.
Frater Pan if you are so smart, than you would know that Science is taught in public schools and that religion in public schools is kept out. I agree tha Science should be taught because of the evidence. The History of religion should also be taught, but not preaching religion because of the individuals beliefs.
You Scientists sound more closed minded than Christians the way you are attacking Christians and are not willing to accept religions.
Scott M why do Creationist have to hear you? You will not hear them. You are not somebody special that people have to just hear you.
Man you people sound angry. May I offer some Zoloft or Paxil to any of you?
The Islam Faith has prophecied Science that has later been discovered today.
2007-06-16 19:33:05
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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Oh c'mon now.... they NEVER keep listening when you get to this part. They will ALWAYS intentionally misunderstand the meaning of theory in the context of science. It's too good of an argument (a bogus one, but unfortunately it still persuades some people) to say that evolution is "only" a theory while implying or outright asserting that theory is "just a guess or speculation".
2007-06-16 11:23:32
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answer #4
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answered by ZER0 C00L ••AM••VT•• 7
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This is a misconception I have tried to correct many times, but Creationists simply won't hear it. They will continue to insist that a "theory" is mere "guesswork", as opposed to how the term is used in a scientific context.
The commonest Creationist tactic: "LALALALA! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" Within the hour they'll be right back with the "It's only a theory" argument.
2007-06-16 11:23:12
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answer #5
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answered by Scott M 7
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no its not clear, they havent got a bone thats half-way between changing into different species. if it takes time than we would find these bones. im not saying i believe in god im just saying nothing can be proven for sure. a theory is just what they think happened. they cant prove the universe formed at once billions of years ago. cause their things in this solar system that contradict those theories. search youtube for creationists.
2007-06-16 11:27:03
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Bravo!
2007-06-16 11:27:16
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Thank You. Very Well Put.
2007-06-16 11:22:33
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Marry me!!
I LOVE this explanation!
2007-06-16 11:25:11
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answer #9
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answered by Kallan 7
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We need to do this with logic as well . . . .
2007-06-16 11:47:48
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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