MISSOULA — Wilder View typically focuses on the amazing science behind the animal kingdom. But have you ever wondered how we know the truth?
Scientists use theories every day to test what we know.
Probably everyone has heard of it before. Well, that’s just a theory. In our everyday conversation, we use this word to express a hunch or speculation without concrete evidence. However, in the realm of science, theory has a completely different meaning.
According to the American Museum of Natural History, a theory is defined as “a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses, and facts.” It represents the culmination of scientific understanding built on years of close observation, experimentation, and rigorous testing.
On earth, what goes up must come down. That is gravity, and more specifically, the theory of gravity.
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Imagine building a beautiful brick house and carefully stacking each brick to create a masterpiece. However, the house itself will never be made of solid brick. Construction doesn’t work that way, just as theory doesn’t translate into fact.
Instead, scientific theories help explain facts and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding complex phenomena.
Scientific theories are not static. These are testable and subject to improvement. Just as a house with a weak foundation may need to be rebuilt, scientific theories may need to be updated and revised as new evidence emerges.
Theories such as gravity, natural selection, evolution, and climate change are not random guesses or personal opinions. These are proven explanations for why we observe behaviors.
Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity was not just about E=mc², it revolutionized our understanding of space and time, challenging conventional wisdom and reshaping our perception of reality.
Similarly, the theory of evolution goes beyond the concept of “survival of the fittest.” It tells the story of our interconnectedness with all life forms on Earth and shows the amazing journey of life over millions of years. Underpinned by the fossil record, genetics, and real-world observations, it reveals how life on Earth has changed over time.
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Now, in everyday conversation, when we say “theory,” we mean “hypothesis.” That’s an educated guess! That’s where the scientific journey begins.
A scientific theory is not the end result of the scientific method. Like hypotheses, theories can be proven or rejected.
The theory is continually improved or modified as more information is collected, making predictions more accurate over time.
So why do these misconceptions persist? Well, part of it is the way the science is communicated. Complex theories are often oversimplified and lose nuance and depth.
Scientific theory is not limited to textbooks and laboratories. They shape our lives, our technology, and our understanding of the universe. They connect us with the universe in a profound way.
