10 Comments
"an idea that is suggested or presented as possibly true but that is not known or proven to be true"
https://snl.no/teori. I was actually listening to a radio show about Einstein's theory of relativity today.
Some scientists have suggested finding another word to replace "theory" as the mere term itself gives them hard time being confronted by flat-earthers, conspiracy artists, intelligent design fans, alien abductees and anti-vaccinationists. "Well, that's just a theory" (insert smug look).
A "theory" is our best informed idea of the truth. #Plato #Plato #Plato
The word itself is fine, but what's called a theory in common parlance is actually a hypothesis. Flat-earthers spout nonsense all day long, though, so the correct distinction is just one more fact their debate partners will have to shove down their throats.
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Yes. The word "theory" is too often used as if it means "hypothesis." This is to misuse the word.
also i'll just add in passing in regards to that definition above, theories cannot be proven to be true, only disprove if they are untrue, which honestly I find a bit too epistemological but i totally get it :D
