The theory of evolution is wrong

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    Evolution Theory
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity of the theory of evolution, with participants sharing arguments for and against its acceptance. The scope includes conceptual clarifications, debates on the nature of scientific theories, and personal anecdotes regarding discussions with skeptics of evolution.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that evolution is a fact, citing examples like the flu vaccine and observed instances of speciation, while others argue that it is a theory that cannot be proven but can only be supported by evidence.
  • One participant describes the peppered moth as an example of natural selection but notes that their friend remains unconvinced by this argument.
  • Another participant challenges the distinction between microevolution and macroevolution, suggesting that these terms are misused by critics of evolution.
  • Several arguments against evolution are listed, including claims that it does not explain the origin of life, that beneficial mutations are rare, and that transitional forms are not adequately represented in the fossil record.
  • Participants express frustration with the difficulty of changing the minds of those who reject evolution, emphasizing the need for clear communication and understanding of the arguments involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the characterization of evolution as either a fact or a theory. Multiple competing views remain regarding the validity of various arguments against evolution, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of terms like microevolution and macroevolution, as well as the assumptions underlying the arguments presented. The conversation also reflects a lack of consensus on how to effectively counter skepticism about evolution.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in the ongoing debates surrounding the theory of evolution, particularly those looking to understand different perspectives and arguments related to its acceptance and challenges.

  • #31


dx said:
A theory can be shown to be in accordance with experience and evidence. That's the only sense in which a theory can be "proven as a fact".

Correct. New evidence could falsify an accepted scientific theory. By definition, science does not exclude that possiblity.
 
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  • #32


Ivan Seeking said:
Correct. New evidence could falsify an accepted scientific theory. By definition, science does not exclude that possiblity.


While any theory may appear like conjecture to a layman and is often dismissed in this fashion that is irrelevant when talking about evolution because evolution is not one specific theory.

How can I draw a parralel?

Heres one.

Gravity is accepted. Period. There are many theories about gravity.

Even if the current theories about gravity are contested, revised or dismissed ; the existence of gravity will not be overturned.
 
  • #33


ThomasEdison said:
While any theory may appear like conjecture to a layman and is often dismissed in this fashion that is irrelevant when talking about evolution because evolution is not one specific theory.

How can I draw a parralel?

Heres one.

Gravity is accepted. Period. There are many theories about gravity.

Even if the current theories about gravity are contested, revised or dismissed ; the existence of gravity will not be overturned.

That's because gravity and evolution are not theories... you can go back a few posts and I made a comparisson to light. Gravity and evolution are phenomena which necessarily means they have been observed aka exist within the definition given. The causes of the phenomena's existence brings about different deductions etc. which are not based directly off of observation, they are theories.
 
  • #34


Rob060870 said:
Dear readers. . .
is it possible for ANY theory to be proven?

i believe not,
what do you think?

All scientific theories are "proven." You obviously have no idea what a scientific theory is.

Rob060870 said:
why do people say "the theory of evolution" when it is a fact and not a theory?, i have been mistaken sorry.

Rob060870

why do people say "the theory of gravity" when it is a fact?

Evolution is both a fact and a theory, just like gravity is both a fact and a theory. Again you have no idea what a scientific theory is.
 
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  • #35
Thanks for explaining all of those points to me everyone. I have been mistaken and in future i Will Just ask the question rather than give my misinformed opinion.i Will print off the answers you all have kindly given me and hopefully i can convince my friend! . . I won't hold my breath though!. All the best.
 
  • #36


Flatland said:
All scientific theories are "proven." You obviously have no idea what a scientific theory is.

How about instead of posting next time you read through the numberous posts that came before yours which explain this properly instead of spreading misinformation followed by attacking the questioner.
 
  • #37
magnusrobot12 said:
amazing that a chemist does not believe in evolution. the simplest example of evolution is viral mutations. i mean, goodness, you cannot get any more simple than that. Look at the influenza season. Also, what about DNA sequence analysis and resulting phylogenic computations?

i agree with the general sentiments on the board, if someone states that they don't believe in evolution, then don't bother trying to convince them because it is clear why they don't believe in evolution (but i am not allowed to say it in fear of being banned). in either case, the chemistry department should fire that person immediately.

my friend actually runs the chemist! so i don't see him being sacked any time soon, i thought about asking him. . . do you also believe that the Earth is flat? but i thought better of it!(i didnt want to lose a friend ).
i don't remember him saying why he didnt believe in it. i think i know what your referring to(being banned).
i don't see my friend too often as i live some distance from him but when i do get the chance i will be better armed to try and change his oppinion, i will ask him why he doesn't believe and post his answer on here.
thanks.
 
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  • #38
We're not interested in attacking people based on their believes, so you really do not need to post his reply to this forum. The rules are clear: "Discussions that assert the a priori truth or falsity of religious dogmas and belief systems, or value judgments stemming from such religious belief systems, will not be tolerated."
 

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