Reply #12: theory of evolution [View All]

[highschoolgraduate]

To scientists, a theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon. That means to a scientist, the word "theory" means fact - such as the Theory of Gravity. So scientists do refer to the phenomenon of evolution as the "Theory of Evolution." Unfortunately most people think the word "theory" means "hypothesis." It doesn't. So teachers actually can and should refer to the concept of evolution as the Theory of Evolution as long as they explain to their students that the average person is misusing the term "theory." Also next time, someone asks you if you believe in the Theory of Evolution, tell them you can't believe or not believe in evolution. You either understand or don't understand the concept of evolution. Ask them if they know what the word "theory" means.