Question

“Just” a Theory?

When they disagree with the conclusions of scientists, some people argue that the scientific knowledge is “just a theory.” Write a one- to two-paragraph response to this argument. What is the difference between the meaning of the word theory in everyday life and when it refers to scientific information? How likely is it that a scientific theory is correct?

Answer 1

In everyday language, a "theory" means a hunch, or a guess. In science a theory is the proven result of several experiments. i.e. atomic theory... we know that atoms exist and that everything is made of atoms, but in science the term "law" is not used in the case that subsequent evidence ever surfaced to create a better or more accurate theory.

Answer 2

There's nothing wrong with disagreeing with the conclusions of scientists. Scientists do it to each other all the time, and quiet vigorously. I've told people (in print) that their conclusions (published in "Nature", mind you, a "peer-reviewed" and very prestigious journal) are wrong, and forcefully. Mistakes happen all the time.

But if your best argument is the particular choice of words the scientist used to describe his conclusions, you're in trouble. That's an incredibly weak argument.

I mean...if I conclude that drinking bleach is bad for you, are you REALLY going to attach very different probabilities of truth to my statements depending on whether I say "Drinking bleach is bad for you! I'm amazingy sure of it!" or "Gosh...I think drinking bleach is probably bad for you"? I kind of doubt it. The whole point of thinking critically and independently is gone if you base your argument entirely around the emotional intensity with which your opponent states his case, or his precise choice of words.