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stormson
reply to post by MrConspiracy
you dont know what theory means. how cute.
see, you gather together a bunch of facts, then you form a theory to explain these facts.
a theory can never be a fact, it is only an explanation of the facts presented at the time. when new facts come along and changes the picture, then the theory to explain these facts must also change.
think of it this way. you have a bunch of puzzle pieces. these are facts. you put them together, but are missing quite a bit, so you do your best to explain what the picture is based on the info you have. you see a mess of hair, like a pony's tail, so your theory is that the picture is of a horse. then you get new pieces that show stripes, so you change your theory to say its a zebra. this is a never ending process.
and that is the difference between a fact and a theory.
The formal scientific definition of theory is quite different from the everyday meaning of the word. It refers to a comprehensive explanation of some aspect of nature that is supported by a vast body of evidence.
The word theory, in the context of science, does not imply uncertainty. It means "a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena" (Barnhart 1948). In the case of the theory of evolution, the following are some of the phenomena involved. All are facts:
• Life appeared on earth more than two billion years ago;
Life forms have changed and diversified over life's history;
• Species are related via common descent from one or a few common ancestors;
• Natural selection is a significant factor affecting how species change.
Many other facts are explained by the theory of evolution as well.
solomons path
reply to post by MrConspiracy
Unfortunately, you are mistaken . . . sorry.
The formal scientific definition of theory is quite different from the everyday meaning of the word. It refers to a comprehensive explanation of some aspect of nature that is supported by a vast body of evidence.
Linky
The word theory, in the context of science, does not imply uncertainty. It means "a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena" (Barnhart 1948). In the case of the theory of evolution, the following are some of the phenomena involved. All are facts:
• Life appeared on earth more than two billion years ago;
Life forms have changed and diversified over life's history;
• Species are related via common descent from one or a few common ancestors;
• Natural selection is a significant factor affecting how species change.
Many other facts are explained by the theory of evolution as well.
Only a Theory?
MrConspiracy
Anyway..... Read my latest posts. I'm not an evolution hater so you can jump of my back when ya ready
daskakik
MrConspiracy
Anyway..... Read my latest posts. I'm not an evolution hater so you can jump of my back when ya ready
Maybe you should take another look at the topic of the thread?
You come into a thread about dishonest creationist tactics with one of the most common, "evolution is just a theory" and expect not to be called out? Then you get upset when you do.
MrConspiracy
Once again... that's speculation.
But until the day someone can show me that there is no design, life after death.. or... anything of the sort! i'll continue to hold my faith. And it's not a blind faith... so don't try accuse me of such.
iwilliam
Klassified
Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't evolution address origins of species? It has nothing to do with the origins of life. That's a totally different topic. Now abiogenesis vs. creationism would make more sense.
There are plenty of creationists who believe evolution is the process god used to create life.edit on 9/15/2013 by Klassified because: spellingedit on 9/15/2013 by Klassified because: clarity
Exactly this. I was going to comment that I do not believe "creationism" and evolution are opposing and mutually exclusive concepts.
Believing in some kind of higher power, or guiding/driving intelligence, myself, I can easily see how evolution could be a tool of god. It's a shame that not every religious-minded person can see this as easily as myself.
I think much of the argument, and what the OP is talking about arises from the practice of biblical literalism. It is biblical literalists who try to claim that the earth is 6,000 years old and the concept of evolution is an affront to god. And IMHO those interested in debating creation should learn to recognize and distinguish this group.
MrConspiracy
Called out? Discussion perhaps.. but called out, really?
Evolution is a theory.. but yet, because it's based in science it apparently has more validity and people actually take it as FACT.
Wertdagf
reply to post by MrConspiracy
But until the day someone can show me that there is no design, life after death.. or... anything of the sort! i'll continue to hold my faith. And it's not a blind faith... so don't try accuse me of such.
What? What are you talking about? You fail at demonstrating a knowledge of what a scientific theory is, and now everyone's attacking you? I could be far more unpleasant than simply pointing out flaws in your thinking... which is the topic of the thread.
Please think really hard about what you mean by "design" and don't bundle evolution and life after death together.edit on 16-9-2013 by Wertdagf because: (no reason given)
NoRulesAllowed
greavsie1971
We should believe what ever sits right in our hearts and respect others that do so too.
There are no "multiple truths" that sit right for one and wrong for the other.
The "truth" is also not what sits "right in our hearts"..aka is simply based on emotions on subjective views. (IRONICALLY, that is often the case because we are humans. It's a BAD human trait.). This is why we have problems on this planet, such as racism, intolerance etc.etc.. which are all SUBJECTIVE "truths" because they "sit right" for an individual person.
Nazism, racism etc.. all "sit right" for someone...does not make it more true or more valid.
HOWEVER, you are right with your assumption that to a certain extent anyone should have the right to believe what they want and this belief should also be untouched. Nothing against it as long as I am not forced to "take on" someone else belief against my own. (This also happen frequently).
The problem with Creationism is that creationists for some decades very actively ATTEMPT to set their own belief system equal with science. It went so far that school books must have a disclaimer that evolution theory is only a "theory" and giving people the illusion that this religious faith is equal and can be simply swapped out in place of school science. I have a BIG problem with that. Church people can stay in their church and can believe what they want, but there are clearly attempts which go way beyond that. And I am a very, very strong supporter that science, politics and religion MUST be separate and not (as seen in the last years) trying to fuse those them together like in the effing MIDDLE AGES. Thank you - NO!edit on 72013RuSundayAmerica/Chicago20PMSundaySunday by NoRulesAllowed because: (no reason given)
daskakik
MrConspiracy
Called out? Discussion perhaps.. but called out, really?
Yes. The OP made a statement and you came in challanging it:
Evolution is a theory.. but yet, because it's based in science it apparently has more validity and people actually take it as FACT.
Now you want to play it off like you just wanted to chat about it.
MrConspiracy
Saw a large group of people who were trying to disprove ID so i chipped in. I'd call it an expression of opinion.
daskakik
MrConspiracy
Saw a large group of people who were trying to disprove ID so i chipped in. I'd call it an expression of opinion.
This is why I suggested that you consider the topic of the thread. It isn't about disproving ID, it is about lambasting dishonest creationist tactics.
Wertdagf
reply to post by MrConspiracy
You presented arguments earlier as the foundation of your beliefs, now its just faith based? Isnt that a little dishonest?
Faith is an excuse not a reason. If you had a reason, even a bad one, you'd use that instead of promoting faith.edit on 16-9-2013 by Wertdagf because: (no reason given)
Wertdagf
reply to post by MrConspiracy
You presented arguments earlier as the foundation of your beliefs, now its just faith based? Isnt that a little dishonest?
Faith is an excuse not a reason. If you had a reason, even a bad one, you'd use that instead of promoting faith.edit on 16-9-2013 by Wertdagf because: (no reason given)