Christians: would you please define "theory" as it's used in a scientific context?

Question

There seems to be a great deal of misunderstanding, or even downright ignorance, of what the word "theory" means when scientists talk about the Theory of Evolution. It might explain why so many Christians are so unjustifiably dismissive of evolution when they describe it as "just a theory". As someone much wiser than myself once put it, "Words mean things"; and before we can have any meaningful discussion, we must first make sure we're speaking the same language.

So, how about it? Are you up to snuff on your basic scientific terminology?

C'mon, guys -- give the Christians a chance to actually ANSWER this one! I think it's important to assess just how much of a "science gap" there is between us and our esteemed adversaries....

I think Celestial Vega touched on an interesting point: you first have to understand what the word "theory" actually MEANS before you can determine whether "Intelligent Design" even qualifies as a "theory" and belongs in the arena of scientific debate....

Answer 1

Okay I won't do an internet search and college is in my distant past...but here goes:

Theory: Proven hypothesis

Answer 2

I think a theory as it is used in science is a logical explanation of natural phenomena. A theory is composed of facts, proved hypothesis, natural laws etc.... A scientific theory encompasses a wide range of data. Predictions, tested hypothesis, controlled experiments etc... The word theory has been bastardized by lay persons and has become a misnomer to mean speculation, opinions, etc. I would not equate the creation story to be a theory. Nor would I call it a hypothesis since that is usually an educated guess. The creation story = The creation Hunch I don`t know why the theory of evolution is not a law. I`m a lay person myself but I think it`s because certain aspects of it is left up to interpretation. The contention that all life evolved from the same terrestrial tree is a fact, but by what means is up for interpretation. Most scientists think that natural selection is the main mechanism, others do not. Then there is the selection of units problem. On what level does natural selection work. Again most think that selection takes place merely on the genetic level (Richard Dawkins - Selfish gene) others do not.

Answer 3

I have had science, including evolution pounded into my head all my life. I was VP of the science club at school. There are different definitions for evolution depending on application. Types of evolution include Particulate, Galactic, Stellar, Planetary, Chemical, Biological and Cultural. I assume that by "Theory of Evolution" you mean Biological evolution since you are an atheist addressing Christians. Biological evolution can be divided into two categories; Macro and Micro. What you seem to assume is that in a scientific context the word "theory" means something more substantial than just a belief. A Scientific Theory is a belief based on an interpretation of evidence for the purpose of making predictions and analysis. Well I have looked at the evidence and see substantial evidence for Micro evolution. I have however found no evidence conclusively supporting either Macro Evolution or the other types of evolution which I listed above. In this context then, putting the word "scientific" in front of the word "theory" just makes it sound good. The theory of evolution (or evolution of one species into another) is still a product of conjecture and presumption regardless of your terminology.

edit:

Thanks for the thumbs down. The truth is hard to take for people at first but it doesn't bother me none. It actually makes me feel good to know that the truth was heard even though it was rejected.

Answer 4

A theory is a cohesive set of ideas with explanatory and predictive power. Hence we moved from the geocentric to the heliocentric theory. No one would say the latter is "just" a theory. It is a theory, rather than merely an idea, because much follows from it (e.g., the phases of venus, the retrograde motions of mars.)

Quantum theory, theory of relativity, even purely mathematical subjects like probability theory are so called because they each are a well developed set of principles which can be applied to give answers to questions.

"Theory" does not mean "hypothesis". It is related to the word theorem. It is not a derogatory word. It does not mean "tentative", except to the degree that all scientific knowledge is tentative. ( I suspect there is a connection to the word theology, for that matter!)

So believe what you want about evolution, but the fact that it is referred to as a theory is irrelevant.

And yes I am a serious Christian who goes to church and studies the Bible regularly.

I would also point out that every Pope who has ever spoken about evolution (beginning in the early 20th century) has affirmed that evolution in and of itself presents no conflict with Catholic teaching. Just as Pope after Pope througout the middle ages affirmed that the theory of a round earth did not contradict the bible (contrary to the propoganda one often reads in histories of the "dark" ages.)

Answer 5

It's nice to see the atheists crawling out of the woodwork to prove, conclusively, that you're a pile of bigots. Thanks for the question!

Now, as for the actual question, speaking as a Christian, i hold that a "theory" in a scientific context, is an epistemological framework used to explain a large amount of data. As such, it must be both internally consistent and CONSISTENT WITH CURRENTLY AVAILABLE DATA. It is, essentially, what is necessary to turn a datum into a "fact". A theory, as such, does not exist as a theory until such time as it is given consideration and support by a sufficiently large amount of data, as determined by general (nebulous) consensus within the pertinent scientific sub-community. If it is not supported by the data, it is not a valid theory. I say again, if it is not supported by the data, it is not a valid theory.

We must distinguish the SCIENTIFIC use of "theory" from the vulgar use of "theory". The vulgar use of "theory" actually corresponds to what is called a "hypothesis" in the sciences. Thus, in the sciences, one never says that an idea is "just a theory". One says that it is "just an hypothesis".

A theory, on the other hand, has data to back it up.

Of course, hardcore bigots (like the typical atheists who posted on this question) will not believe that I actually composed the above nor understand it. Again, I MUST thank you for proving, once again, exactly what "quality" of mind it takes to be an atheist and exactly how "moral", "tolerant", "open-minded", and "understanding" atheists are. Thank you, thank you so much for proving this via the answers you have garnered. Thank you for gathering evidence regarding the sort of character it takes to be an atheist.

Answer 6

Two things:

1- a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena eg,

2- a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation b: an unproved assumption


In science, you can have wonderful, plausible, or even true models for how things work. The problem is, without proof you cannot call it a scientific fact. For it to be a fact, you have to be able to either OBSERVE clearly the fact, and you have to be able to REPRODUCE the fact.

I don't dismiss evolution. But I don't assume every detail to be fact, because I know that it is still looking in hindsight. I do dismiss the idea that life and the universe appeared and developed on its own.

- Christian who works in scientific research

Answer 7

Anyone can look up the meaning of the word 'theory' in their dictionary.

The question is, whats the difference between a theory and a fact?

None? I dont think its wise to discuss science and what people think is science, under religion.

when fundies do this mistake, why do the non fundies repeat it?!

honestly, am sick and tired of seing people repeat these questions over and over when the matter at hand, doesnt even deserve further discussion.

you want to discuss intelligent design, by all means do so, but dont fall in the same trap that most people do: connecting science with religious belief

Answer 8

Sure, the dictionary defines theory as: a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.

It also says a theory is: An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.

It also says it's: a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena.

The problem that you may have, nay even be ignorant of, is that a theory is not a proven fact. As much as you want to protest that much evidence is behind the theory, it's not a fact. Like your "someone much wiser" said "words mean things", and a fact is not a theory, is it?

Answer 9

Why do I have to be scientifically ignorant to be a Christian? You may think that they are mutually exclusive, but they are not. MW Dictionary defines theory as "a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena." That's how I've always seen it. I accept that evolution is true for reasons other than the meaning of the word "theory." I know your trying to broaden the minds of others, but could you skip the generalizations, please.

Answer 10

"[F]acts and theories are different things, not rungs in a hierarchy of increasing certainty. Facts are the world's data. Theories are structures of ideas.

The term theoretical is sometimes used to describe a result which is predicted by theory but has not yet been adequately tested by observation or experiment. It is not uncommon for a theory to produce predictions which are later confirmed or proven incorrect by experiment.

Answer 11

Theory, has the same root as theology,and theocracy.

The word in greek could be translated "Godview"

A synonym would be "speculation"

Today words are meaningless...nobody knows the difference between a hypothesis, theory or fact.

my definition for these words is simple...

hypothesis = little hard evidence
theory = a little more hard evidence
Fact = 100% proof positive

the funny thing is, when you master either subject, science or religion, you realize that one without the other is lame.