Retire "Just a theory"

Why won't this argument just go away? It reflects badly on the person who uses it. It just demonstrates that they are ignorant of science and the scientific use of the word theory. It only gets them brownie points among people who are ignorant of science. Even Answers in Genesis is getting on the bandwagon on this.Colloquially a theory is at best an educated guess. In science this would roughly be equivalent a hypothesis. A theory is an explanation for a phenomenon. Sometimes hypotheses can accumulate enough evidence to become theories. Theories must be supported by facts.Examples of theories are: evolution, big bang, gravity, heliocentrism (solar system), atomic theory of matter, and the germ theory of disease. All of these are rock solid principles of science with lots of evidence behind them.WE NEED TO RETIRE THIS ARGUMENT!!! {Fixed URL and added blank lines between paragraphs. - Adminnemooseus}This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 04-22-2006 03:52 PM

Welcome to EvC CACTUSJACKmankin,Glad you decided to add to our diversity. We have a wide variety of forums for your debating pleasure, but I warn you it can become a bit habit forming.We prefer that new members participate in existing threads and get some constructive posting under their belt before originating a new topic, which I notice that you have dropped a few posts.I'm not really sure what you are wanting to debate, though. I don't feel that this topic would draw a lot of response and am not inclined to promote it. It's pretty much either someone agrees with you or they don't. I'm not sure anyone could present much more than that.I will leave it open until Wednesday in case another Admin feels differently.In the purple signature box below, you'll find some links that will help make your journey here pleasant.Pay particular attention to our Forum Guidelines and all will go well.Again welcome and happy debating.

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Usually, in a well-conducted debate, speakers are either emotionally uncommitted or can preserve sufficient detachment to maintain a coolly academic approach.-- Encylopedia Brittanica, on debate

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Topic is not being promoted because the subject isn't very debatable, IMO.