"Cause I've seen a helluva lot of science that's based on mere THEORY."
Theory is the highest level that science attains. Facts are data points that support of go against theories. Saying something in science is "only a theory" is only derogatory if you don't know what you're talking about.
And conversely....saying something in science is a fact when it's only a theory, and has not been proven as fact, is giving credibility to something where credibility is not due. It's true I'm no expert on global warming, for instance. But I do know that it has yet to be proven as a scientific fact. And yet, it is claimed to be a fact by some scientists. If my attitude comes off as derogatory to you, I'll take that hit. I have a very low opinion of those scientists that claim to know what they can only theorize about, and unless something has changed, I am still allowed to have and voice my opinion.
"Theory is the highest level that science attains. Facts are data points that support of go against theories. Saying something in science is "only a theory" is only derogatory if you don't know what you're talking about."