I hear the word “theory” used all of the time. Heck, I use “theory” a lot myself. I have a “theory” on why I cannot catch fish. Which is why I don’t go fishing. Which is why I don’t have a boat. (Another story for another day.) But is “I cannot catch fish theory” really a “theory”? Another question I will answer for you, “Is evolution a theory?”
Let me write about “theory” first to lay the groundwork.
The way scientist use the word “theory” is quite different from the common public use. In general, the public thinks of “theory” as a hunch or idea that someone has.
There are 4 types of concepts, thoughts, or explanation of how facts line up into reality. 1) assumptions (a statement that is accepted as true without proof and without necessarily being self-evident), 2) hypothesis, 3) theory, and 4) law. Definitions of terms 2, 3, and 4 are found on the National Center for Science Education.
The function of a theory is to provide a general explanation for the structure and dynamics of organizational life, a phenomenon, or the reality that we experience. There seems to be two types of theories:
Scientific Theory – This theory begins as a hypothesis and through the “scientific method” is shown to explain a specific phenomenon of reality.
Just a side note: Hypothesis is supported by accumulated evidence and derived through either: deductive or inductive reasoning. A hypothesis moves to “theory” as a valid and accepted explanation of a phenomenon by way of the “scientific method”.
Administrative theory – This theory is for education purpose in the field of study or practice concerned with management, operation, education or most any professional field.
Two examples of Administrative theories:
1.Nursing – Nursing was a neglected and undesirable profession 200 years ago. Everything changed when Florence Nightingale in the 1860s demonstrated her theory that the body’s reparative processes can be manipulated by the patient’s environment.
2. Phycology – Erik Erikson’s psycho-social stage theory is developed around ego identity. This is to say you are developed through social interaction and changes due to new experiences and information you acquire in your daily interactions with others. Who we become revolves around how we handle, manage or master social conflicts.
A key point is that for a theory to survive, it must be true. Truth brings legitimacy to the theory and then becomes accepted and used. “Is evolution a theory?” is answered by the question, “Is evolution true?”
The easiest way to prove if a theory is true or not is to try to prove it is false. Find some example that the theory does not work or contradicts reality. A common example is the theory that there is no gold in Alaska. Find gold and you find the theory is incompatible with reality. The theory has a contradiction. A reasonable person would conclude the theory is false.
Is evolution a theory can be answered easily by finding if the theory is incompatible with reality or any know scientific law and theory. Because evolution is incompatible with the Law of Information, Law of Entropy, Law of Energy, Law of Matter, etc. an intellectually honest scientist must conclude that evolution is untrue and is not a valid theory. The theory has many contradictions.
So why do people, and maybe you, still believe that evolution is a theory? Let me introduce to you an administrative theory. The Theory of Perception – stated simply: perception is truth. Adolf Hitler summed this law up with his famous quote, “If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.” as documented on Goodreads.