RE: [asa] Is evolution a fact?

Not exactly.
A theory may be an unknown, a proposed test. In that sense it is not fact.
But a theory may also represent a model. Plane geometry is a model,
a sort of theory.
Like "evolution", the term "theory" has multiple applications and definitions.

At 08:26 AM 5/28/2008, you wrote:
>Facts are taken as absolutes. The theory of evolution is comprised of
>scientific facts. Yet, I don't like the idea that a theory, as a whole,
>should be elevated into a fact. Once a theory is a fact, it is no longer a
>theory, at least in a general sense.
>
>Because we see change in things does not make what is known as the Theory of
>Evolution a fact. A rock thrown into the air changes its motion with time,
>this is a fact, but not evolution. It does behave in accordance with
>another theory -- gravity. We don't know what gravity is, so can we boldly
>say the entire theory is a fact. Einstein greatly changed this theory, and
>another could tweak it further.
>
>The Geocentric model was once a fact, and was so for almost 2000 years. I
>prefer to see the term "theory" bolstered for what it represents, without
>abuse by both opponents and proponents of science.
>
>George Cooper
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [mailto:asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu] On
>Behalf Of Dehler, Bernie
>Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 6:06 PM
>Cc: asa@calvin.edu
>Subject: [asa] Is evolution a fact?
>
>What do you all think? I keep hearing some say that "evolution is a
>fact." I don't think so. Evolution is a grand overarching theory to
>explain how everything complex came from something very simple. How can
>it be a fact when certain parts are unknown, such as "origin of life."
>Therefore, isn't it an obvious error to say that "evolution is a fact?"
>
>I think Dawkins calls it a fact, as well as an evolutionary Christian I
>heard the other day in a DVD.
>
>
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Sincerely,

Collin Brendemuehl
http://www.brendemuehl.net

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose"
                                                 -- Jim Elliott

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Received on Wed May 28 08:33:13 2008