Categories: GeneralScience

Why Science is NOT ‘Just a Theory’ [Video]

Have you ever heard ‘evolution’ dismissed as ‘just a theory’? Is a scientific theory no different to the theory that Elvis is still alive? Jim Al-Khalili puts the record straight.

There’s an important difference between a scientific theory and the fanciful theories of an imaginative raconteur, and this quirk of semantics can lead to an all-too-common misconception. In general conversation, a ‘theory’ might simply mean a guess. But a scientific theory respects a somewhat stricter set of requirements. When scientists discuss theories, they are designed as comprehensive explanations for things we observe in nature. They’re founded on strong evidence and provide ways to make real-world predictions that can be tested.

While scientific theories aren’t necessarily all accurate or true, they shouldn’t be belittled by their name alone. The theory of natural selection, quantum theory, the theory of general relativity and the germ theory of disease aren’t ‘just theories’. They’re structured explanations of the world around us, and the very foundation of science itself.

[The Royal Institution]

Geeks are Sexy

Recent Posts

Today’s Hottest Deals: LEGO Flowers Building Kits, Beats Studio Headphones and Earbuds, All-new Echo Show 8 Tablet, and More!

For today’s edition of “Deal of the Day,” here are some of the best deals…

17 hours ago

BioShock as a Film Noir from the 1940s

https://youtu.be/dIjPSDqKy8c?si=Jg6gaMmfU429-jr3 The world of BioShock (and Rapture!) reimagined as a classic Film Noir from the…

19 hours ago

D Human [Comic]

[Source: @kelsiebru]

19 hours ago

Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Vader: WHO IS THE MASTER?

https://youtu.be/ZOtD36BjmU0?si=3yD8ic1l1y8HlzU8 From Dorkly: Disney really messed up Star Wars... No, not because of the "woke"…

20 hours ago

How Gas Masks Work and The Science Behind Them

Have you ever wondered how gas masks work? If this is the case, be sure…

20 hours ago

The Force is STRONG With These Star Wars Deals: May the 4th Edition!

Happy Star Wars day! For this very special occasion, today's edition of deal of the…

2 days ago