Science Basics for Understanding Evolution
Quick Definitions of Facts, Ideas, Theories, Hypotheses & Evidence
Dec 21, 2008
In the context of biology, evolution is concerned with the genetic changes in organisms over time. Evolution often attracts heated debate, and many arguments show lack of understanding. However, scientifically, evolution is not controversial. Learning the language used in this area of science can help in preventing or tackling misunderstanding.
Facts, Beliefs, Evidence and Proof
Evolution happens – this is a fact, backed up by a great deal of evidence. To understand this properly, the following definitions may be useful:
- Facts are pieces of information than can be verified. For example, it’s a fact that human females have different sexual organs than human males.
- Beliefs are convictions without necessary supporting evidence, for example, the belief in telepathy. Evolution is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a belief system, but since it is factual, it can only be accepted or rejected.
- Evidence is information that supports a theory (see the next section on theories). For example, there is evidence to suggest that the Sun will rise tomorrow.
- Proof is validation from a sufficient body of evidence. Scientists actually set out to disprove, rather than prove (this is not the same as mathematical proofs).
Ideas, Hypotheses and Theories
Evolution is not about mere guesswork and yet it is often dismissed as being “just a theory”. However, rather like gravity, evolution is both fact and theory. The fact is that gravity exists, which most people would have trouble trying to refute. The theory of gravity, however, is there to explain why and how.
Here are a few definitions to help make sense of the theory of evolution
- Ideas are conceptions. For example, someone may have the idea that aliens are about to land on Earth. This is worth defining because ideas are often confused with theories.
- Hypotheses are proposed explanations for something, and can be put to the test. For example, a study looking into whether or not there is intelligent alien life on Mars may hypothesize from the start that there is no such life.
- Theories are well-substantiated frameworks of information that expand upon hypotheses, and will have withstood rigorous attempts at falsification. The theory of evolution is no exception, and is in fact one of the strongest scientific theories.
These definitions are brief but can be expanded upon for greater understanding. For more information on defining evolution, including strong definitions of fact, theory and law in science, read the Evolution Primers on the National Center for Science Education website.
Sources
Definitions of Fact, Theory, and Law in Scientific Work (Evolution Primers), National Center for Science Education website, accessed: 19th December 2008, no authors specified.
Oxford Dictionary of Science, published by Oxford University Press in 2005 (5th ed), no authors specified.
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