Commentary: Evolution is factual science, the best type of theory

From the article:
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By HAROLD KROTO
FLORIDA VOICE

On Tuesday, Florida's State Board of Education will adopt new
standards pertaining to the teaching of science in our state's public
schools. Most significantly, the new standards are expected to
acknowledge that evolution is the fundamental concept underlying all
of biology.

Now comes word that some influential state lawmakers want to ensure
that evolution in the new science standards has the word "theory"
before it. So the standards would say "theory of evolution." These
lawmakers say that this will stress the fact that evolution is a
theory, not a fact -- and they are said to be considering asking the
Legislature to force the State Board of Education to adopt the wording
change if it doesn't do so on its own.

What these lawmakers fail to appreciate is that there are two types of
theory -- scientific theories and unscientific theories.

Scientific theories are those that are considered "true" or "facts"
because they have been found experimentally to work and we know why
they work. Unscientific theories, however, have been found wanting
when similarly experimentally tested.

A few examples of "true" theories or "facts":

· Newton's Theory of Gravity is a "fact" because, among many other
things, it enables us to launch satellites into correct orbits and get
men to the moon.

· Einstein's Theory of Relativity is a "fact" because, among many
other things, it has enabled us to obtain electricity from nuclear
fission and is needed in GPS technology.

· Mendeleev's Periodic Table Theory is a fact because, among many
other things, it underpins the whole of the chemical sciences and
governs all reactions leading to materials such as plastics and the
silicon in chips and the synthesis of drugs.

· Quantum Mechanical Theory is a "fact" because, among many other
things, it explains the structure of the Periodic Table and was
fundamental to the creation of such

Darwin's Theory of Evolution, likewise, is a "fact" because, among
many other things, it underpins every aspect of biology and medicine
and is, for instance, absolutely crucial in our never-ending battle
against life-threatening diseases.
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Read it at http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/opnOPN16021508.htm








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