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Author Topic:   Evidence for Evolution: Whale evolution
Theodoric
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Posts: 9140
From: Northwest, WI, USA
Joined: 08-15-2005
Member Rating: 3.3


Message 377 of 443 (804539)
04-10-2017 10:07 PM
Reply to: Message 374 by Coyote
04-10-2017 8:48 PM


Re: A few definitions
Here is a source I have used in the past
Hypothesis, theory, law - Google Docs#
quote:
The biggest difference between a law and a theory is that a theory is much more complex and dynamic. A law describes a single action, whereas a theory explains an entire group of related phenomena. And, whereas a law is a postulate that forms the foundation of the scientific method, a theory is the end result of that same process.
A simple analogy can be made using a slingshot and an automobile.
A scientific law is like a slingshot. A slingshot has but one moving part--the rubber band. If you put a rock in it and draw it back, the rock will fly out at a predictable speed, depending upon the distance the band is drawn back.
An automobile has many moving parts, all working in unison to perform the chore of transporting someone from one point to another point. An automobile is a complex piece of machinery. Sometimes, improvements are made to one or more component parts. A new set of spark plugs that are composed of a better alloy that can withstand heat better, for example, might replace the existing set. But the function of the automobile as a whole remains unchanged.
A theory is like the automobile. Components of it can be changed or improved upon, without changing the overall truth of the theory as a whole.
You also had a few more definitions in this thread.
Logical fallacy poster

Facts don't lie or have an agenda. Facts are just facts
"God did it" is not an argument. It is an excuse for intellectual laziness.
If your viewpoint has merits and facts to back it up why would you have to lie?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 374 by Coyote, posted 04-10-2017 8:48 PM Coyote has seen this message but not replied

  
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