Terms used in an intelligent debate require mutual understanding for the conversation to have any value to both parties. In any discussion on evolution a certain phrase comes up in which there appears not to be mutual understanding. That phrase is "Evolution is only a theory." or
"Evolution is just one theory."
Intelligent Design proponents toot this horn as often as they can. In some cases deliberately misunderstanding the meaning of the word theory to bolster their argument to an undereducated public.
Webster's online dictionary has no less than six definitions for the word theory.
1:the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another
2:abstract thought :speculation
3:the general or abstract principles of a body of fact, a science, or an art theory>
4 a: a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action theory that all children want to learn> b:an ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles, or circumstances -often used in the phrase in theory, we have always advocated freedom for all>
5:a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena theory of light>
6 a:a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation
b:an unproved assumption :conjecture
c:a body of theorems presenting a concise systematic view of a subject theory of equations>
The theory of evolution falls under definitions 1. the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another and 5. a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena.
Intelligent Design proponents toot this horn as often as they can. In some cases deliberately misunderstanding the meaning of the word theory to bolster their argument to an undereducated public.
Webster's online dictionary has no less than six definitions for the word theory.
1:the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another
2:abstract thought :speculation
3:the general or abstract principles of a body of fact, a science, or an art theory>
4 a: a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action theory that all children want to learn> b:an ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles, or circumstances -often used in the phrase in theory, we have always advocated freedom for all>
5:a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena theory of light>
6 a:a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation
b:an unproved assumption :conjecture
c:a body of theorems presenting a concise systematic view of a subject theory of equations>
The theory of evolution falls under definitions 1. the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another and 5. a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena.
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