Should the supporters of the evolution theory be called scientists? How should we call them?

Question

Clearly, the need for such a name is related to the debate evolution/creation. Since this is obviously an important debate, it is convenient to have a name for the supporters of the theory of evolution. We want a practical name, something simpler than "supporters of the evolution theory". No? Someone suggested "evolutionary biologists", but that is for those biologists who actively study the subject, not for all the supporters of the theory. What else?

Are all supporters of the evolution theory scientists? Are all scientists (professors in a scientific department or researchers in a scientific institution) supporters of the evolution theory? If any of these two questions have a negative answer, then there is a problem in referring to all these supporters as "scientists".

capnarlo: I disagree with atheists, and I am sure that I am not alone. Obviously, many Christians support the theory of evolution. Not all of them adhere to a literal interpretation of the bible.

Rachel_S165: Oh well! So much presumptions about me. I wrote "evolution theory" because it is a theory in the scientific, non negative, meaning of the term. I accept the theory of evolution, not all interpretations of it, but I do accept the basic theory.

Answer 1

I'd like to simply be called "evolutionist", it does just fine for me. And I sure am no scientist (my mom is)

Answer 2

I believe in evolution, and I’m not a scientist at all. There are lots of educated people -- probably the majority of educated, thinking people -- who believe in evolution, and who are not trained as scientists. And the overwhelming majority of scientists recognize the validity of evolution as a viable and convincing explanation of observed fact.

But I think your repeated use of the phrase “the evolution theory” suggests 2 things: a) you don't believe in evolution yourself, and b) that you don’t really understand what scientists actually mean when they say that something, like evolution, is a “theory”.

The way most people use the word in everyday conversation, a “theory” is simply some idea that somebody came up with – an opinion, speculation or conjecture – which is no more plausible than any other opinion, speculation or conjecture that anyone else might come up with. In other words, its not required to be consistent with facts or true descriptions of reality. This common usage of the word “theory” leads to the common but misguided statement “Its not a fact, its only a theory”.

In the scientific world, though, a “theory” is far more than mere speculation. In science, a theory is a mathematical or logical explanation, or a testable model of the interaction of a set of natural phenomena, capable of predicting future occurrences or observations of the same kind, and capable of being tested through experiment or empirical observation. IOW, for scientists,“theory” and “fact” are not necessarily opposites.

Scientific theories are similar to scientific laws in that they are principles which can be used to predict the behavior of the natural world. Both scientific laws and scientific theories are typically well-supported by observations and/or experimental evidence. Usually scientific laws refer to rules for how nature will behave under certain conditions. Scientific theories are broader explanations of how nature works and why it exhibits certain characteristics.

Hope this clarifies things for you.

Answer 3

Often called "evolutionists" although that seems unsatisfactory and is used as a pejorative label by creationists.

No, not all supporters of the theory are scientists. No, not all scientists are supporters of the theory.

Some people may claim "Darwinists" but that's too simplistic and assumes that all people who lay claim to an acceptance of natural selection believe in all that Darwin had to say. Additionally it elevates the man above the idea which is not likely to sit well with either side.

Perhaps we should stick with "those who accept the theory of evolution to be our best understanding of the process by which variation within and between species comes about" or something like that.

Answer 4

No, just call us rational. I'm not a degreed scientist, just a working-class citizen with an interest in science.

There is no debate. The entire creationist schtick is a strawman, constantly reconstructed.

Darwin was and is right. 150+ years of research, leading to many new scientific disciplines, support his original theory.

Answer 5

How about open-minded people? After all it takes a person with an open-mind to see that evolution is true

Answer 6

many people will disagree with me here

but evolutionist will suffice for me, thanks


or pro-evolution

whichever takes your fancy

though, I'm a student of biology and obviously, evolution is an important subject...one day I will be a professional scientist, not an amateur one

Answer 7

Should we call supporters of the creation theory Gods ?

Answer 8

There is no debate, you either accept science or you don't. Creationists are simply deluded. Any professor or person working in a scientific field who says they believe in Creationism should automatically lose their job on the grounds of intellectual disability. The term scientist is enough.

Answer 9

It depends on what you call evolution.

Many, and their numbers are growing everyday, scientists no longer agree we came from Chimps.

One day they may have a vote and like Pluto, Chimps might be aced from the theory. It's not impossible.

On the day kids are no longer taught that Man came from "Monkey" Christians might embrace the who thing.

On the day science, by a 51% vote, get rid of the Chimp part, we are going to rib you CHIMPISTS to death!

And if you change you views we'll call you WISHY WASHY

And that day is coming.

One day there will be a CONGRESS of Scientists who will decide once and for all IF or IF NOT Chimp theory is valid.

They did it with Pluto, what makes you think they won't do it with CHIMPS

Answer 10

Call them people. Not everyon who believes the facts of evolution is a scientist, though nobody who doesn't deserves the title. I would call believers of creationism deluded morons.