Why do some people continue to confuse the word theory for hypothesis?

Question

A hypothesis is an assumed explanation for a phenomena that still needs to be proven with observations and experimentation.

A theory is a rational natural explanation of phenomena that has often already been backed up with years and years of observations, modeling, and experimentation. For example, evolution and the big bang are well established scientific theories that are well accepted by the scientific community. It could very well be these explanations are wrong, but they are however the best explanations for the origin of man and universe to date.

Sometimes I see some people also get confused with the words "law" and "theory". They think a law supercedes a theory when in fact they are the same thing. Newton's "laws" of motion and gravity are actually also just explanations. In fact, Einstein's "theory" of relativity can explain motion under more conditions then Newton's "laws" of motion can. Newton's laws of motion for example cannot predict the motion of Mercury.

Answer 1

big mistake there, Troovee...a theory need not be "well accepted by the scientific community", or "the best explanations." Some theories are pure quackery.

So don't elevate "theory" to a pedestal where it does not belong. theories must be subject to test and validation.

Answer 2

Your first answer is already the best. You are wrong in your definitions. Look them up.

Answer 3

It's simple------------look it up in the dictionary.