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Thanks. I think somewhere on another thread someone pointed out to me that there is a difference in the definition of "hypothesis" in a science dictionary versus a standard disctionarly. That may be the reason for some confusion.
Quote:
Definition of HYPOTHESIS (Websters)
1
a : an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument b : an interpretation of a practical situation or condition taken as the ground for action
2
: a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences
3
: the antecedent clause of a conditional statement
While a scientific hypothesis may have a lot more science - support (e g for Dark matter or string theory) than a guess based on some personal assumptions, it has the same result - an idea proposed for verification.
However, 'Theory' has two different (scientific and popular) applications:
Quote:
Definition of THEORY
1
: the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another
2
: abstract thought : speculation
3
: the general or abstract principles of a body of fact, a science, or an art <music theory>
4
a : a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action <her method is based on the theory that all children want to learn> b : an ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles, or circumstances —often used in the phrase in theory <in theory, we have always advocated freedom for all>
5
: a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena <the wave theory of light>
6
a : a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation b : an unproved assumption : conjecture
The term 'fact' is used twice. Also 'scientifically acceptable - which also implies fact. There are some theories - light, gravity, relativity and, of course, evolution, which are regarded as based of evidentially demonstrated facts.
While there are always open to new evidence, dismissing them as 'just a theory' is a rhetorical trick, specifically equivocation - using meaning 2 or 6 a (speculation/unproved assumption) to denigrate science theory under meanings 1,3 or 5.
Fiddling around with definitions to try to make a point rhetorically is very common in the theism debate but is actually rather discreditable. We would much rather talk facts.
While a scientific hypothesis may have a lot more science - support (e g for Dark matter or string theory) than a guess based on some personal assumptions, it has the same result - an idea proposed for verification.
However, 'Theory' has two different (scientific and popular) applications:
The term 'fact' is used twice. Also 'scientifically acceptable - which also implies fact. There are some theories - light, gravity, relativity and, of course, evolution, which are regarded as based of evidentially demonstrated facts.
While there are always open to new evidence, dismissing them as 'just a theory' is a rhetorical trick, specifically equivocation - using meaning 2 or 6 a (speculation/unproved assumption) to denigrate science theory under meanings 1,3 or 5.
Fiddling around with definitions to try to make a point rhetorically is very common in the theism debate but is actually rather discreditable. We would much rather talk facts.
You can't reconcile the concepts of science and faith. Or can you? In doing so, I often try to define faith, pin it down as a corporeal thing that can be measured. We're told something doesn't "exist" if you can't confirm it with your tactile senses. But we define that existence, and our own, subjectively. Is the same to be said of faith, of people's subjective experience of god? Are we just dismissing that because it's not compatible with a scientific system which we, as a race, invented in the first place?
I've seen the temple in Chicago. It's quite beautiful.
I was within walking distance of that temple. My walking club used to walk from Dempster and the Lake up to the Baha'i every Sunday. The grounds are beautiful and we have a lot of pictures in the gardens. The founder of the club died at 70 and her memorial was held in the Temple.
I was within walking distance of that temple. My walking club used to walk from Dempster and the Lake up to the Baha'i every Sunday. The grounds are beautiful and we have a lot of pictures in the gardens. The founder of the club died at 70 and her memorial was held in the Temple.
It is a really remarkable building, no doubt about it. Sorry about the death of your friend.
Fiddling around with definitions to try to make a point rhetorically is very common in the theism debate but is actually rather discreditable. We would much rather talk facts.
Perhaps in some cases that is true and in other cases, it's just an honest mistake or misunderstanding of which definiton one is thinking of.
The pictures are beautiful. Thanks for sharing that.
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