A scientific theory summarizes a hypothesis or group of hypotheses that have been supported with repeated testing. If enough evidence accumulates to support a hypothesis, it moves to the next step—known as a theory—in the scientific method and becomes accepted as a valid explanation of a phenomenon.
When used in non-scientific context, the word “theory” implies that something is unproven or speculative. As used in science, however, a theory is an explanation or model based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning, especially one that has been tested and confirmed as a general principle helping to explain and predict natural phenomena.
Any scientific theory must be based on a careful and rational examination of the facts. In the scientific method, there is a clear distinction between facts, which can be observed and/or measured, and theories, which are scientists’ explanations and interpretations of the facts. Scientists can have various interpretations of the outcomes of experiments and observations, but the facts, which are the cornerstone of the scientific method, do not change.
Kim Ann Zimmerman, LiveScience Contributor
When used in non-scientific context, the word “theory” implies that something is unproven or speculative. As used in science, however, a theory is an explanation or model based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning, especially one that has been tested and confirmed as a general principle helping to explain and predict natural phenomena.
Any scientific theory must be based on a careful and rational examination of the facts. In the scientific method, there is a clear distinction between facts, which can be observed and/or measured, and theories, which are scientists’ explanations and interpretations of the facts. Scientists can have various interpretations of the outcomes of experiments and observations, but the facts, which are the cornerstone of the scientific method, do not change.
Kim Ann Zimmerman, LiveScience Contributor
"Darwin continually emphasized the difference between his two
great and separate accomplishments: establishing the fact of evolution, and
proposing a theory- natural selection- to explain the mechanisms of evolution."
Stephen Jay Gould
"A fact is a hypothesis that is so firmly supported by evidence that we
assume it is true, and act as if it were true."
Douglas Futuyama
Jump creationists, jump!
"...the morphing of Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift into the modern theory
of plate tectonics is a textbook example of the solidification of a tentative hypothesis
into a universally accepted theorem or fact."
Richard Dawkins
"It's just a theory." = I have no idea what a scientific theory means.
http://youtu.be/1-HwPR_4mP4 Documentary on Plate tectonics
"Just another theory!"
"Another Theory!" haha
OK, if you're religious, don't wash your hands, please.
oxygen theory of combustion
The Out of Africa theory is a fact supported by DNA.
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