SCIENTIFIC THEORY: Why do so many people who post ??s in "science&mathmatics" not know what that means?

Question

Why is it impossible for certain posters on here (the ones who keep asking the same question about "evolution just being a theory not fact...") to grasp the fact that EVERYTHING in science/math is known as a theory and that the definition of Scientific theory is much different than that of just plain old theory.

In science, a theory is a mathematical or logical explanation, or a testable model of the manner of interaction of a set of natural phenomena, capable of predicting future occurrences or observations of the same kind, and capable of being tested through experiment or otherwise verified through empirical observation. It follows from this that for scientists "theory" and "fact" do not necessarily stand in opposition.

In common usage, the word theory is often used to signify a conjecture, an opinion, or a speculation. In this usage, a theory is not necessarily based on facts; in other words, it is not required to be consistent with true descriptions of reality.

right?

Answer 1

Because alot of people learned the term theory in elementary school, and they learn that it is just above hypothesis and below a law, so they dont think it is relevant.  Most of these people are afraid that their religion is wrong.

Answer 2

You are attempting to apply logic to an illogical situation.  If it were actually possible to do that, then there would be no reason for them to post their questions.

As it is, "faith" is blind to logic and the real reason they keep posting is that the answers that are given don't make any sense to them.  How can we expect them to face their inconsistencies if they do not understand that there are no contradictions in nature?

Still, we trudge ahead, hoping that on more more of them get a spark.

Answer 3

Because religion ruined everybody. shuts off their minds.

Answer 4

There are some big words in what you just said.

Answer 5

Because science literacy is rare.  That's because public education has failed.

Answer 6

A theory by any other name or description is still just that...a theory.  Your explanation of the supposed differentiation is not universally accepted, although you may be more comfortable with it.  Remember also that not all 'scientific" theories are based on substantively proven fact, such as is the case with so-called global warming.

So, to answer your question, it is evident that most people actually do understand what comprises theory.  You made up an artifiicial differentiation that nobody recognizes.  Thus their questions are largely valid.

Answer 7

I absolutely agree with you. The "theory" of evolution is not a proof of its falsity. Most of these people must not have heard about the theory of relativity because they never knock that. It's unfortunate that people think they can make logical statements about physics, etc... because they don't even understand the correct definitions of force, work, intensity and so on. People who claim to oppose theories about science and mathematics should get their definitions straight or no one will even give their argument a second glance.