EvC Forum: PROBLEM: Evolution is only a theory

Rrhain writes:

Newton's Second Law of motion, F = ma, is simply wrong. In every single instance, the answer it gives is off. But, we still call it a law (a few hundred years of calling it "Newton's Second Law" will do that) and we still use it. For most everyday uses, the discrepancy between the Newtonian answer and the relativistic answer (where F = dp/dt) is so small that you'd never notice it without extremely sensitive equipment...not to mention that it's more difficult to do the more accurate calculation.

As a minor aside; Newton's original expression of the second law is arguably F = dp/dt, which is correct even in relativity.

From a translation on-line:

Law IIThe alteration of motion is ever proportional to the motive force impressed; and is made in the direction of the right line in which that force is impressed.
-- Isaac Newton

Newton's assumptions of flat space and absolute time do mean that Newtonian physics gives different answers to relativistic physics; but the expression of the second law is still correct. In the context of this chapter, Newton's use of "motion" appears to refer to what we call "momentum".

Comment from people who can read Newton's work (in Latin) are welcome.

However, the main point remains true; this "law" is expressed as a single mathematical equation, in contrast with evolutionary biology. The main point being made here is quite true. Use of the word "law" has more to do with the character of expression of some model, rather than how accurate or reliable it might be.

I think we're both saying that the claim of, "It's just a theory...if it were really true, it'd be a 'law,'" is a specious argument.

And I agree with this also.

Cheers -- Sylas

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