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Why not set pi at three while she's at it.
This does tend to contradict the notion that Republicans can be blamed for all of this.
As opposed to "proved theories?"
What an idiot. No theory s proved in science.
But here is the definitions list to start the ball rolling...
Definitions (from a google search, with additions from this thread):
Theory: a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena; "theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses." Addendum: "Theories do not grow up to be laws. Theories explain laws." (Courtesy of VadeRetro.)
Theory: A scientifically testable general principle or body of principles offered to explain observed phenomena. In scientific usage, a theory is distinct from a hypothesis (or conjecture) that is proposed to explain previously observed phenomena. For a hypothesis to rise to the level of theory, it must predict the existence of new phenomena that are subsequently observed. A theory can be overturned if new phenomena are observed that directly contradict the theory. [Source]
When a scientific theory has a long history of being supported by verifiable evidence, it is appropriate to speak about "acceptance" of (not "belief" in) the theory; or we can say that we have "confidence" (not "faith") in the theory. It is the dependence on verifiable data and the capability of testing that distinguish scientific theories from matters of faith.
Hypothesis: a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena; "a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory"; "he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices."
Proof: Except for math and geometry, there is little that is actually proved. Even well-established scientific theories can't be conclusively proved, because--at least in principle--a counter-example might be discovered. Scientific theories are always accepted provisionally, and are regarded as reliable only because they are supported (not proved) by the verifiable facts they purport to explain and by the predictions which they successfully make. All scientific theories are subject to revision (or even rejection) if new data are discovered which necessitates this.
Law: a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature; "the laws of thermodynamics."
Model: a simplified representation designed to illuminate complex processes; a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process; a physical or mathematical representation of a process that can be used to predict some aspect of the process.
Speculation: a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence). When a scientist speculates he is drawing on experience, patterns and somewhat unrelated things that are known or appear to be likely. This becomes a very informed guess.
Guess: an opinion or estimate based on incomplete evidence, or on little or no information.
Assumption: premise: a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn; "on the assumption that he has been injured we can infer that he will not to play"
Impression: a vague or subjective idea in which some confidence is placed; "his impression of her was favorable"; "what are your feelings about the crisis?"; "it strengthened my belief in his sincerity"; "I had a feeling that she was lying."
Opinion: a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty.
Observation: any information collected with the senses.
Data: factual information, especially information organized for analysis or used to reason or make decisions.
Fact: when an observation is confirmed repeatedly and by many independent and competent observers, it can become a fact.
Religion: Theistic: 1. the belief in a superhuman controlling power, esp. in a personal God or gods entitled to obedience and worship. 2. the expression of this in worship. 3. a particular system of faith and worship.
Religion: Non-Theistic: The word religion has many definitions, all of which can embrace sacred lore and wisdom and knowledge of God or gods, souls and spirits. Religion deals with the spirit in relation to itself, the universe and other life. Essentially, religion is belief in spiritual beings. As it relates to the world, religion is a system of beliefs and practices by means of which a group of people struggles with the ultimate problems of human life.
Belief: any cognitive content (perception) held as true; religious faith.
Faith: the belief in something for which there is no material evidence or empirical proof; acceptance of ideals, beliefs, etc., which are not necessarily demonstrable through experimentation or observation. A strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny.
Dogma: a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof.
Based on these, evolution is a theory. CS and ID are beliefs.
[Last revised 2/23/06]
I'm so glad masonry contractors in the Nevadan desert are lecturing scientists on the definition of science --- what could be better?
This is non-trivial.
I just love what he wants to put in the constitution:
that nowhere in the fossil record is there an indisputable skeleton of a transitional species, or a 'missing link
must be informed that the origin of sex, or sex drive, is one of biology's mysteries
it is mathematically impossible for the first cell to have evolved by itself.
IMO this kind of stuff is over-specific for a statute, and he wants to put it in the constitution!
Cpeak for the number four.
"I just want them to start telling the truth about evolution," Brown said.
Then let the scientists, who know the most about it, write the book on it and not creationists who have a vested interest in misrepresenting it.
I fail to see how children are going to learn the truth about evolution from people who, in many cases, actively refuse to even learn the subject for themselves.
I saw a petition last month (I live in Nevada) that asks the state to invest money in biomass energy-generation technologies. OK, you can argue the wisdom of throwing money at that, but the petition also wants the state to recognize that 'hemp' has the highest concentration of "biomass" out of all the biomasses on earth.
</sigh>
FRE-CRE ping
It appears the Las Vegas masonry contractor has a vested interest in keeping the next generation of Nevadians ignorant. The question is are there 83,184 all ready in Nevada stupid enough to go along with him. Even if the dozen or so anti-evo's infesting the FR forum all move to Nevada, I somehow doubt it.
Gravity is a theory, too.
The plan should also require that teachers cover "areas of disagreement" in the atomic theory of gases, including the view by some scientists that "it is mathematically impossible for a bumblebee to fly".
Oh, but wait, that theory doesn't run afoul of any witch doctor's superstition, so there's no need to intelligently redesign every state constitution to whinge about it.
good, it is about time that common sense ruled in this, the false religion of evolution should never be taught as fact.
I won't post the whole analysis again but I hate the silly shell-game that results when that objection is pursued.
And exactly how is this determined?
If we can use "probability" to determine the "possibility" of abiogenesis occurring, despite our lack of knowledge on so many factors affecting abiogenesis, how about we calculate the 'possibility' that a God exists, or that some group of alien beings not only came into existence without abiogenesis but were able to 'seed' Earth and stay completely hidden while poking away at many of Earth's organism's genomes.