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Author Topic:   The meaning of Theory is a modern myth.
Dr Jack
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Posts: 3514
From: Immigrant in the land of Deutsch
Joined: 07-14-2003
Member Rating: 8.7


Message 1 of 3 (174089)
01-05-2005 11:51 AM


When I was in high school I was taught the now conventional meaning of 'Theory' and 'Hypothesis' as esposed frequently on this board by my fellow evos. However, as I ready more historical science I've come to the conclusion that this is an entirely modern invention.
In fact, the word "Theory" doesn't mean anything in Science. It's just an arbitary chosen title; just as earlier generations of scientists tacked 'law' onto their (or, to be fair, onto other people's) work so did 'theory' become the prefered tag. Darwin's works were never talked about as a hypothesis then, later, under the weight of great evidence, promoted to a theory. Scientists who were convinced by it just started calling it a theory. Similarly with Einstein's theories of relativity - never known as a hypothesis simply taged a theory (and so tagged before the famous gravity lensing test).
For 'Is It Science?', I guess?

AdminDawg
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Message 2 of 3 (174093)
01-05-2005 12:02 PM


Thread copied to the The meaning of Theory is a modern myth. thread in the Is It Science? forum, this copy of the thread has been closed.

AdminNosy
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Posts: 4754
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Joined: 11-11-2003


Message 3 of 3 (180197)
01-24-2005 11:19 AM


Thread moved here from the Proposed New Topics forum.

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