In arguing against evolution, critics often cite its ranking as merely a "theory”. Since scientists refer to the “Theory of Evolution”, does this give credence to the critics?
No, is the simple answer. The problem that arises is a discrepancy between what constitutes a theory for laymen and scientists. For laymen, a “theory” can mean something speculative and tentative. We use it in everyday speech like this. Scientists, however, use it in a much different way. The Theory of Evolution has been grounded in an enormity of evidence.
Richard Dawkins recently explained this in an interview with BigThnk, a "forum where top experts explore the big ideas and cores skills of the 21st century". In his interview he stated that “the evidence that makes it a fact is partly fossil evidence, partly comparative evidence, looking at modern species and comparing their bones, their organs, their structures generally, and especially their molecules, their genes, at a molecular level. This is extremely persuasive and powerful evidence. You compare the genes of animals and plants. You find that the pattern of resemblance is a tree, a branching tree. And that branching tree could only be a family tree.” Watch the full interview here.
Dawkins argues that if we are going to refer to evolution in laymen’s terms, the term “fact” is more accurate than “theory”. I tend to agree with this. People who flatly deny any of the evidence that supports evolution or natural selection do so because they don’t want to believe it. This is called confirmation bias and is one of the faults of the human brain.
Though I agree that in laymen’s terms evolution is closer to a fact than a theory, I think it’s important to choose our words carefully. Ultimately, I wish that laymen had a basic understanding of science so that we wouldn’t have to worry about confusing scientific and laymen’s terms. I wish people knew that Theory of Evolution is just that – a scientific theory that’s been supported by mountains of evidence. This should be amazing enough.
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The Takeaway: Let’s not mix terms. Let’s teach everyone a basic understanding of science so that everyone can appreciate its brilliance.
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