Do you know what the definition of a theory is?

Question

As in the Theory of Evolution?

A. I think I know
B. I know
C. I know I know
D. I don't know

After you answer A, B, C, or D, please give my a brief definition in your own words. And lets see if your definition matches the answer you gave.

This is for a little fun.

Answer 1

E......... not gonna go there....... go in peace..... God bless

Answer 2

I don't know the difference between B & C... I guess I'll say both, although I don't really like any of the above. A theory is something that has been hypothesized, tested, and proven to be true with repeated tests. That doesn't, however, mean that a theory cannot be added to or altered in the future as more evidence becomes available.

Answer 3

B. A proven hypothesis complete with supporting evidence. It is proven as much as any scientific theory is, that is to say it will be reviewed and updated as new information is found to support or contradict it. Reviewing accepted theories and evidence allows science to be self correcting.

In the case of evolution, it is perhaps one of the most proven theories or at least in the top 5. Hundreds of thousands of fossils have been found without any inconsistencies in dating. Transistional forms have been found. Genetics have confirmed it... the list goes on and on.

Answer 4

Sorry, but all four of your options are simply out of the ballpark, because 'theory' is not about 'knowing'. A theory is a version of reality which fits the known facts reasonably well, and is susceptible to disproof (i.e. it must be possible to produce evidence which would make the theory collapse - this is why the idea of God, for example, is not a theory but a belief, and evolution is a theory since it would be possible to disprove it given the right sort of evidence). The best writer on this issue was Karl Popper, whose emphasis on the necessity of falsifiability (i.e., something being susceptible to disproof) was hugely important in the development of the philosophy of science during the 20th century, and in scientific thinking in general. Google him if you want to know more.

Edit: I am seriously curious about the thumbs down! What is so awful about explaining about Popper's explanation of theory, when he's one of the key scientific thinkers of the 20th century?

Answer 5

A explanation for something you observed.
An example of this is I lose a sock in the dryer every time. My theory could be that there is a monster in the dryer that likes to eat socks.
This theory explains why I always lose a sock. It does not mean that there actually is a sock-eating monster, but is an explanation.

The same could be true for evolution. I observe that there are many lifeforms on Earth. Some of them share similarities. My explanation, or theory, for this is that they all evolved from a common ancestor. It does not mean that evolution is how life came about, but explains how it could have.

Answer 6

This is my train of thought with the instruments and technology that is used by myself and my fellow colleagues as in the past all of our theories will be revised and brought up to date within the next century or so by a new set of individuals with better more accurate equipment as we have done with these past outdated thoughts of the development of our society so please read and keep an open mind for if you do not agree with these current thoughts and developments as in the past they shall be updated again " probably in the near future " .

Answer 7

B.

It is knowing r, v and z - because you've observed them again and again, wanting to know x - and using what you know about r, v and z to relate to x in a plausible manner. Using what you know to be true to explain, logically, what you don't know or have no proof of.

Answer 8

1. a set of ideas formulated to explain something (Darwin's theory of evolution)

2. an opinion or supposition
3. ideas or suppositions
4. a statement of the principles on which a subject is based )theory of music)

Answer 9

A scientific explanation based on evidence that hasnt been 100% fully observed, but is undoubtedly a scientific fact.

Answer 10

B
That is if you are talking about the scientific definition of the word.

Answer 11

Whatever you answer, keep in mind that there are numerous theories of the past, such as the geocentric theory stating that the earth is the center of the universe, which are no longer conisidered seriously...I believe it will be the same with the theory of evolution.