A Word About Theories

Every now and then you'll hear a particular politician call evolution a theory. "It's a theory," he'll say, shrugging his shoulders and insinuating "Some people believe it, but it's not proven—it's just a theory and I've got my own."

Making this mistake illustrates the fact that the speaker in question has no understanding of basic scientific process.

Yes, evolution is a Theory. Do you know what that means?

Clearly, the politician who couches his disbelief in this way has no idea what a Theory is. A Theory is a law (and yes, it's capitalized). It is the last stage of the scientific process—a lengthy and thorough process involving meticulous research, repeatable experimentation and results, eventual publication, and rigorous peer review. A Theory is the antithesis of a hypothesis.

In biology a Theory is not a "theory," it is a proven law. It is a fundamental, undisputed truth.