06 Feb 14
Originally posted by JS357Actually the real problem is that biological evolution theory is not a single claim like the second law. It is a whole body of knowledge (about half of the science of Biology). So what you are saying is almost like saying, if Newtons Laws of motion contradict Chemistry then one or the other would have to go. But which part of Chemistry? You can't exactly contradict every single bit of Chemistry.
Not quite even then. If the second LOT and biological evolution theory were in conflict, neither would have priority over the other excepting for those scientists who have an interest in preserving one over the other (such as physicists).
The second law on the other hand could be shown to be wrong, just as Newtons Laws of Motion are known to be not the full story.
06 Feb 14
Originally posted by ZahlanziThe only thing that matters concering evilution is that it does not happen.
i see the second law of thermodynamics is used a lot by people who have no idea about science. and they are right in a way.
the second law of thermodynamics would disprove evolution IF AND ONLY IF the planet were a closed system. which is not.
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Originally posted by PsychoPawnI already know what science thinks "theory" means. Thanks.
http://www.livescience.com/21491-what-is-a-scientific-theory-definition-of-theory.html
Here's what the Oxford dictionary think it's means
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/theory
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06 Feb 14
Originally posted by divegeesterIt's not what science 'thinks' theory means.
I already know what science thinks "theory" means. Thanks.
Here's what the Oxford dictionary think it's means
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/theory
It's what theory DOES mean in science.
As in any technical/professional field they have to develop their own
specialised language for clearly and accurately conveying ideas and
information within that field.
English is [delightfully] open to different [double/treble] meanings and
interpretation which is fantastic if you are a poet or storyteller or comedian.
It's not so great if you're an engineer or scientist wanting to convey accurate
and precise meanings with no ambiguity.
Theory HAS a very specific and clear meaning in science.
We don't think it has this meaning, it HAS this meaning.
Because that is the meaning ALL scientists use and understand when they
use the word in a professional context.
There are specific technical dictionaries for different branches of science
that have the proper scientific meanings in them. The OED won't help you
if you want to know how scientists define things, because it's not written
for scientists. I have several sitting in my bookcases.
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06 Feb 14
Originally posted by googlefudgeI know what "ALL scientists" think it means, but clearly it doesn't mean that to everyone else such as the authors of the oxford dictionary.
It's not what science 'thinks' theory means.
It's what theory DOES mean in science.
As in any technical/professional field they have to develop their own
specialised language for clearly and accurately conveying ideas and
information within that field.
English is [delightfully] open to different [double/treble] meanings and
interpretation whic ...[text shortened]... efine things, because it's not written
for scientists. I have several sitting in my bookcases.
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06 Feb 14
Originally posted by divegeesterWords can and do have multiple different meanings.
I know what "ALL scientists" think it means, but clearly it doesn't mean that to everyone else such as the authors of the oxford dictionary.
In science the word 'theory' means something different from what it means in
everyday parlance.
However Evolution by Natural Selection is a scientific theory and thus the scientific
meaning of the word applies.