So many issues certain segments of the population have with science stem from a fundamental problem with the vocabulary of science itself. Some words have multiple meanings, scientific and more mainstream layman ones. Problems arise from applying the wrong definition to the situation. Other words are simply misused and definitions completely distorted.
Let me help build your scientific lexicon.
In Science
Theory - A scientific theory comprises a collection of concepts, including abstractions of observable phenomena expressed as quantifiable properties, together with rules (called scientific laws) that express relationships between observations of such concepts.
Law - A scientific law or scientific principle is a concise verbal or mathematical statement of a relation that expresses a fundamental principle of science, like Newton's law of universal gravitation. A scientific law must always apply under the same conditions, and implies a causal relationship between its elements. The law must be confirmed and broadly agreed upon through the process of inductive reasoning.
Note that a theory does not become a law. In fact, scientific laws form the foundation for scientific theories.
Hypothesis - A hypothesis (from Greek ὑπόθεσις; plural hypotheses) is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon.
Note that the above is what laymen often call a theory. However, in science, we do not call proposed but unverified explanations theories. We call them hypotheses.
Evolution - Biological evolution, simply put, is descent with modification. This definition encompasses small-scale evolution (changes in gene frequency in a population from one generation to the next) and large-scale evolution (the descent of different species from a common ancestor over many generations). Evolution helps us to understand the history of life.
Note there is nothing in this definition about the origin of life. It is about the history of life.
Abiogenesis - the study of how biological life arises from inorganic matter through natural processes, and the method by which life on Earth arose.
Note that the above is the science that studies the origins of life--not evolution.
We simply cannot have an intelligent discussion if we are using the same words but intending different meanings. Some words people are simply misusing; that needs to stop.
Let me help build your scientific lexicon.
In Science
Theory - A scientific theory comprises a collection of concepts, including abstractions of observable phenomena expressed as quantifiable properties, together with rules (called scientific laws) that express relationships between observations of such concepts.
Law - A scientific law or scientific principle is a concise verbal or mathematical statement of a relation that expresses a fundamental principle of science, like Newton's law of universal gravitation. A scientific law must always apply under the same conditions, and implies a causal relationship between its elements. The law must be confirmed and broadly agreed upon through the process of inductive reasoning.
Note that a theory does not become a law. In fact, scientific laws form the foundation for scientific theories.
Hypothesis - A hypothesis (from Greek ὑπόθεσις; plural hypotheses) is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon.
Note that the above is what laymen often call a theory. However, in science, we do not call proposed but unverified explanations theories. We call them hypotheses.
Evolution - Biological evolution, simply put, is descent with modification. This definition encompasses small-scale evolution (changes in gene frequency in a population from one generation to the next) and large-scale evolution (the descent of different species from a common ancestor over many generations). Evolution helps us to understand the history of life.
Note there is nothing in this definition about the origin of life. It is about the history of life.
Abiogenesis - the study of how biological life arises from inorganic matter through natural processes, and the method by which life on Earth arose.
Note that the above is the science that studies the origins of life--not evolution.
We simply cannot have an intelligent discussion if we are using the same words but intending different meanings. Some words people are simply misusing; that needs to stop.
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.”
-Sagan
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.”
-Sagan
Give it a shot then I'll chime in.
