Posted by DNA on April 26, 1998 at 17:35:57:
In Reply to: Law vs. Theory posted by Walker on April 25, 1998 at 22:55:59:
: I really believe that for the most part, we can agree on evolution. I agree with you that it is a damn good theory. It certainly has much more to offer than creationism. My only beef is your statement "Evolution is just a theory is laughable"
: I put evolution lower on my list of scientific truths, below say Newton’s laws, Laws of Thermodynamics, Theory of relativity. Still, in the context of all truth, it’s pretty high on the list.
: Maybe we still disagree. Whatever the case, I enjoy this site. Keep up the good work.
: --Alan
I'm not certain that you understand how the word "theory" is used in science.
Let me give you my take, and see if you agree or disagree.
We observe some facts. Fact number one: there is a great diversity of life on this planet.
Fact number two: Evolution (descent with modification) has been observed.
Theory: Evolution accounts for this diversity of life.
Now, evolution is a theory *not* because it isn't proven, because it *can't* be proven. It takes too much time. It is a theory because it is a framework for explaining observed facts.
Since there is absolutely no other explanation that fits the facts as well as evolution, it is accepted as the explanation for the diversity of life on the planet.
Creationism isn't a theory. There are no observed facts which support this idea. It is a religious ideology, no science.
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