It’s ONLY a “theory”

The•o•ry - a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena


I am currently reading “Why evolution is true” by: Jerry Coyne. It’s a really great book and I suggest reading it, not only for those that dismiss evolution, but also for those that want to have a better understanding of evolution itself.

When discussing evolution, one will always encounter the refutation that evolution is “only a Theory”. It is simply a guess of what might have happened or what might be happening.

I always get frustrated at these kinds of arguments, because they come from ignorance. I can never seem to find the words to rebut. I understand that scientific theories are more than just guesses. I can’t begin to understand how someone would argue the Theory of Evolution, and at the same time uphold Cell Theory.

In “Why evolution is true”, Mr. Coyne gives an eloquent explanation. He takes his position by first explaining the difference between an average understanding of the word “Theory” and then giving a scientific definition of “Theory”. He says “Indeed, the everyday connotation of ‘theory’ is ‘guess,’ as in, ‘My theory is that Fred is crazy about Sue.’” This is not, however, the context that the scientific community uses the word theory.

Consider the cell theory, theory of relativity, germ theory, and atomic theory, for example. Few dispute them as a whole. If I were to tell someone that all living things are made of cells, or that bacteria and viruses cause illness, most people would agree. These theories explain those facts. Evolution is no different. The theory of evolution simply explains the processes and principles that govern the idea of life evolving. Mr. Coyne says “…the theory of evolution is more than just the statement that ‘evolution happened’: it is an extensively documented set of principles… that explain how and why evolution happens”. The rest of his book highlights these principles.

I truly could not have said it better!

If you need an in depth look at these principles, take a look at “The Structure of Evolutionary Theory” by; Steven Jay Gould.