Submitted to The Cincinnati Enquirer |
Editorial Page
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Friday, May 15, 1997 |
Samuel J. Fenn claims that evolution is "only a theory" ["Darwinism nothing
more than a theory", May 13]. To arrive at this conclusion, he substituted
the ordinary/prescientific meaning of the term (speculative and not well
established) with the scientific meaning (the ability to explain and make
predictions from data). A theory is the end product of scientific
endeavor. The colloquial meaning of "theory" is more or less equivalent
to the scientific term "hypothesis." Scientific theories can and do become
established beyond a reasonable doubt; |
examples include the germ theory of disease,
cell theory, theory of gravitation, quantum theory, special relativity,
and transmission genetics.
Mr. Fenn has provided an excellent example of Columnist Tom Teepen’s original point ["Views on creation 'science' haven't evolved very far", April 16] that creationism contributes to declining science skills. I do agree with Mr. Fenn’s statement "...science is merely discovering the laws of nature that God put into motion at creation." Religion deals with the "why" of physical existence, and science deals with the "how". It appears that evolution is the "how" of creation, and the various religious faiths attempt to answer why. As long as each discipline respects these boundaries, they should not come into conflict. Todd Brennan
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