3 ms·
> theories are fact based Yes, but theories are not /themselves/ facts. A theory is just one way to explain the facts, and though a given theory may explain th
by humbledrone 6y ago
> theories are fact based
Yes, but theories are not /themselves/ facts. A theory is just one way to explain the facts, and though a given theory may explain the given facts well, a new theory may come along which explains the facts even better, or new facts may come along that the existing theory cannot explain. In either case, it's obvious that the theory is not itself a fact, because we may eventually have to discard it as inadequate.
I think that often the arrogance that people perceive in scientists (or at least in scientific reporting) is from the fact that the best known theory is described as a fact when it's not. It's just a model. Like any model of reality, all theories are wrong, but some are useful.
So I don't find it helpful to keep beating the dead horse about how the technical scientific term "theory" differs from the colloquial version. I think a more helpful approach is to try to educate people on how to skeptically evaluate the usefulness of any kind of claim/model/hypothesis/theory for themselves. Even if people understand the technical term "theory," it still doesn't matter unless they can evaluate a theory's usefulness.
- exclusiv 6y agoDefinite arrogance out there. This arrogance also occurs with citizens who don't like it when science is questioned. Real scientists don't shy away from questioning. Questioning is a key part of science and advancements. And you have science used as a tool when it supports ones agenda. But immediately thrown away when it doesn't align with their emotions and agenda. So we have a pandemic, people trust in the science and the policies to respond, but are all too quick to throw that all away so people can protest, go to church, or let companies film movies. So you believe in science but you are ok with making exceptions for certain things? How consistent. If we allow the agendas of mobs to disrupt science, it becomes a lot less useful. Many leading scientists and groups don't have the courage to stick behind the science either, lest they ruffle the feathers of those who donate. There are plenty of scientists that are bought and paid for just like politicians. We have a long track record of this with cigarettes, pharma, the sugar industry, war on fat, etc.
- TheOperator 6y agoI almost see an attitude now that what truly proves your commitment to science is the fact that you don't question it