Originally posted by Nygdan
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That is precisely what a theory is. If it was recognized as 'absolutely true', then it'd be considered a fact. A theory is something that seems to be correct, but might very well be utterly wrong.

Not true. The word theory has several meanings, one of which being:

A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.

Therefore, the usage of the word theory in the term "Theory of Evolution" is a sound one.

This is not what is normally meant by the factual nature of evolution. Indeed, the Theory is that organisms share common descent and have been modified through time. But here the page is saying that that theory has been graduated into 'fact'??

The Theory hasn't been graduated. The Theory was factual all along. The issue at hand is the misinterpretation of the word theory. When most people see "Theory of Evolution", they often attribute the wrong meaning of the word to it and believe it is a "best guess" and not a "collection of facts".

[edit on 21/7/2006 by Thousand]

Any theory can be potentially refuted. I seriously doubt that the theory of evolution is going to be refuted, it is strongly supported by the evidence and seems to be the best explanation that we have.


But that doesn't mean that its irrefutable, like a fact would be.

Originally posted by Nygdan
Any theory can be potentially refuted. I seriously doubt that the theory of evolution is going to be refuted, it is strongly supported by the evidence and seems to be the best explanation that we have.


But that doesn't mean that its irrefutable, like a fact would be.

and very few things are facts

so now we're back to where we started

Do you refute Gravity Nygdan? Gravity is a THEORY! So, if Gravity and Evolution are both wrong for being theories I would like to see you jump off the Empire State Building.

Oh what, you're hypocritical when it comes to theories? You believe 100% in the Theory of Gravity but not the Theory of Evolution?

Originally posted by Nygdan

That is precisely what a theory is. If it was recognized as 'absolutely true', then it'd be considered a fact. A theory is something that seems to be correct, but might very well be utterly wrong.

That is not true in the slightest. It is clear that you have little understanding of the concept of a theory, so allow me to shed sime light on the subject for you.

Like evolution, graity is generally a widely accepted theory. In science, there is no such thing as "fact." Also, like evolution, not everything is known about gravity. In fact, it would be accurate to say that we have roughly equal knowlege of both gravity and evolution.

Because gravity is "just a theory," would you be willing to discount it and jump off of a building?

Originally posted by Rev Paine


Like evolution, graity is generally a widely accepted theory. In science, there is no such thing as "fact." Also, like evolution, not everything is known about gravity. In fact, it would be accurate to say that we have roughly equal knowlege of both gravity and evolution.

Because gravity is "just a theory," would you be willing to discount it and jump off of a building?

You'd know not to jump of that building based on [creationist] Newton's Laws of Motion. Of course most folks know that as emperical FACT (you WILL fall = FACT not theory... we even got formulas to tell you how fast we'll go.) Which theory of gravity are you talking about? Does it tell me I will fall or why I fall? What's it got to do with common ancestry or gradualism? Don't worry, nobody ever has the answer. Dang theocrats.... blimey!

FYI you'll never get your point across with Nygdan... he's not all that bright when it comes to science. You know how those creationists can be, and he's the worst!

Originally posted by Rev Paine

Originally posted by Nygdan

That is precisely what a theory is. If it was recognized as 'absolutely true', then it'd be considered a fact. A theory is something that seems to be correct, but might very well be utterly wrong.

That is not true in the slightest. It is clear that you have little understanding of the concept of a theory, so allow me to shed sime light on the subject for you.

Like evolution, graity is generally a widely accepted theory. In science, there is no such thing as "fact." Also, like evolution, not everything is known about gravity. In fact, it would be accurate to say that we have roughly equal knowlege of both gravity and evolution.

Because gravity is "just a theory," would you be willing to discount it and jump off of a building?

[sarcasm]Well... it looks like Nygdans finally met his match. [/sarcasm]

Sheesh.... where in the heck do these people come from.