My Evolution Challenge

[AV1611VET]

Define evolution in such concise terms that it cannot be mistaken as a theory.

 

[Blayz]

Change in allele frequency over time.

 

[AV1611VET]

Change in allele frequency over time.

I tried that already -- (28) -- it's still a theory.

 

[Blayz]

Your version was less concise than mine. You added the extra "-> error doctrine" Which indeed makes a theory. Without this extra bit, you get a fact.

 

[MoonLancer]

Your version was less concise than mine. You added the extra "-> error doctrine" Which indeed makes a theory. Without this extra bit, you get a fact.

I wouldn't even call that a theory. a theory still has facts that back it up. this is maybe a hypothesis and that's being kind.

 

[Naraoia]

I tried that already -- (28) -- it's still a theory.

Define "theory"...

 

[Naraoia]

Oh, and why shouldn't evolution be a theory? What's wrong with theories?

 

[ttfn]

What's wrong with theories?

Absolutely nothing in fact creationists love them because with theories they mistakenly believe their cause stands a chance.

Am I glad I'm not a creationist.

 

[rockaction]

AV still thinks that calling evolution a "theory" somehow discredits it? PRATT alert.

 

[Naraoia]

Absolutely nothing in fact creationists love them because with theories they mistakenly believe their cause stands a chance.

Am I glad I'm not a creationist.

Yeah, yeah, blah, blah. Now can we have some content, please?

 

[Pwnzerfaust]

Define evolution in such concise terms that it cannot be mistaken as a theory.

Populations change over time.

Do you know what a theory is in science, AV?

 

[[serious]]

I tried that already -- (28) -- it's still a theory.

You added to it. If you just leave it at evolution = ∆alleles/time you're fine.

Basically, there are several parts. There is the observed change in alleles in a population over time. Secondly, there is the observed mutations as part of DNA synthesis. Finally, there is the the observed difference in survival rates for those with certain traits over others in certain environments.

Each of these has been observed. Where it becomes theory is when you assign causation. That means "evolution = ∆alleles/time" isn't theory, but mutation and differing fitness leading to a a change in allele frequency is a theory.

 

[sandwiches]

Do you know what a theory is in science, AV?

He doesn't care. Don't start speaking in tongues to him.

 

[LifeToTheFullest!]

Define evolution in such concise terms that it cannot be mistaken as a theory.

I challenge you to define yourself in concise terms that you cannot be mistaken as a Poe.

 

[Anaximander]

I apologize if I have repeated anyone's comments. Sadly, the term "fact" and "theory" have different uses in the vernacular and in science. Most people in everyday life use theory as a "semi-educated guess (explanation to a question)" and if it gets proven then it is a fact.

Fact in science merely means observable and verifiable data, or physical evidence, while a theory is a tested and verified "explanation". For example, gravity is not a fact, and just as surprisingly, it never will be regardless of it being a reality. Why? Gravity is an explanation supported by the observable facts, such as planetary orbits, apples falling out of a tree, etc.

Also, theories do not turn into laws. Theories explain and laws describe. Gravity is a theory because it is a tested explanation, and gravity is also a law because it can mathematically describe and predict.

In view of this, biological evolution is a fact, because changes in the frequency of alleles within a poplulation through successive generations has been observed and verified. Evolution is also an explanation, because it explains. One still must keep in mind that natural selection and common ancestry are not the same thing as evolution.

I did not make this up. It is all discussed and explained by the National Academy of Sciences.


best,

 

[The Lady Kate]

Populations change over time.

Do you know what a theory is in science, AV?

I think it would be more on point to ask if he cared.

 

[Redac]

I apologize if I have repeated anyone's comments. Sadly, the term "fact" and "theory" have different uses in the vernacular and in science. Most people in everyday life use theory as a "semi-educated guess (explanation to a question)" and if it gets proven then it is a fact.

Fact in science merely means observable and verifiable data, or physical evidence, while a theory is a tested and verified "explanation". For example, gravity is not a fact, and just as surprisingly, it never will be regardless of it being a reality. Why? Gravity is an explanation supported by the observable facts, such as planetary orbits, apples falling out of a tree, etc.

Also, theories do not turn into laws. Theories explain and laws describe. Gravity is a theory because it is a tested explanation, and gravity is also a law because it can mathematically describe and predict.

In view of this, biological evolution is a fact, because changes in the frequency of alleles within a poplulation through successive generations has been observed and verified. Evolution is also an explanation, because it explains. One still must keep in mind that natural selection and common ancestry are not the same thing as evolution.

I did not make this up. It is all discussed and explained by the National Academy of Sciences.


best,

Alas, I doubt AV will care much about the actual definition of the word.

 

[Golden Yak]

Whatever the case, well said Anaximander.

 

[Anaximander]

Thanks Golden Yak. I'd love to see a reply from AV1611VET.

best,

 

[Anaximander]

...still waitin'.