dyanaprajna0 Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I wonder if xtians will ever realize the distinction between the word theory in the common sense, and theory in the scientific sense. Here's a definition of theory from the scientific standpoint: "a set of principles that explain and predict phenomena. Scientists create scientific theories with the scientific method, when they are originally proposed as hypotheses and tested for accuracy through observations and experiments. Once a hypothesis is verified, it becomes a theory." There you have it. The definition of a scientific theory. Not the same as theory in the common sense. But if you're going to insist on rejecting the Theory of Evolution based solely on the fact that it has the word theory in it's title, then here's some other theories you have to reject: -Cell Theory: refers to the idea as cells are the basic unit of structure in every living thing -Germ theory of disease: proposes that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases -Atomic theory: theory of the nature of matter, which states that matter is composed of discrete units called atoms -Last but not least, the Theory of Gravity. These are by no means all, but just some of the various scientific theories that you take for granted everyday. Do some research, and you'll find more, and you'll also find that reality works by these theories. And evolution is no different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scitsofreaky Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 No, I don't think the average Christian will understand the difference. Many are taught in church the "common" meaning of theory, and church is where they learn what God wants them to think, therefore it must be the correct definition. I wonder why the "common" meaning even exists. Theory is really just a scientific term, I see no reason to have a non-scientific definition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midniterider Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 What about social contract theory? http://www.iep.utm.edu/soc-cont/ Is it a scientific term? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
♦ ficino ♦ Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I wonder if xtians will ever realize the distinction between the word theory in the common sense, and theory in the scientific sense. Here's a definition of theory from the scientific standpoint: "a set of principles that explain and predict phenomena. Scientists create scientific theories with the scientific method, when they are originally proposed as hypotheses and tested for accuracy through observations and experiments. Once a hypothesis is verified, it becomes a theory." There you have it. The definition of a scientific theory. Not the same as theory in the common sense. But if you're going to insist on rejecting the Theory of Evolution based solely on the fact that it has the word theory in it's title, then here's some other theories you have to reject: -Cell Theory: refers to the idea as cells are the basic unit of structure in every living thing -Germ theory of disease: proposes that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases -Atomic theory: theory of the nature of matter, which states that matter is composed of discrete units called atoms -Last but not least, the Theory of Gravity. These are by no means all, but just some of the various scientific theories that you take for granted everyday. Do some research, and you'll find more, and you'll also find that reality works by these theories. And evolution is no different. It drives me crazy how fundies say, "evolution is only a theory"! Another take on scientific theories is Karl Popper's: they are never, strictly speaking, verified (there always MIGHT be a counterexample out there), but they prove their worth by their predictive power until, perhaps, they are falsified. The longer they last and the more things they predict, the stronger theories become. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scitsofreaky Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 What about social contract theory? http://www.iep.utm.edu/soc-cont/ Is it a scientific term? Fine, just come up with an example that disproves what I said, why dontcha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dyanaprajna0 Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share Posted March 5, 2012 What about social contract theory? http://www.iep.utm.edu/soc-cont/ Is it a scientific term? I wouldn't call it scientific. It's not based on data, observable evidence, or tests that can be performed and repeated. It's based more on subjective and abstract ideas of how to form the basis of a decent society. I might be wrong about that though, so someone correct me if I am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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