I never post on this site, but I just could not let this very sad post slide by.
First of all, evolution is both a theory AND a fact.
See: http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/evolution-fact.html
Second, even if evolution were 'only a theory' (gravity is also a theory, by the way), that would not make people who call it a "myth" any less wrong. There is no other explanation AT ALL which accounts for the diversity of life we see on our planet. Not only is there overwhelming evidence for evolution, but it can be observed RIGHT NOW.
Now on to the broader point: There are indeed 'good' and 'bad' opinions about objective truths. Although largely influenced by subjectivity, opinions such as taste in film are ultimately rooted in what people consider to be objective fact. For instance, many "Borat" fans will say that they loved the film because it was IN FACT a satire. Thus, their opinions are based upon the claim that the film is objectively a satire. On the other hand, you have "Borat" fans who loved the film because they really do share the views promoted in the film. Thus, their opinions are based upon the claim that the views promoted in the film are objectively true.
So, which of these two opinions is better than the other? Well, the creators of the movie itself say it was a satire. In terms of objective truth, that is the closest we can possibly get to the question of whether or not it was a satire. Therefore, the opinions based upon its satirical nature are 'good' (aka better informed) whereas the opinions which completely miss the satire are 'bad' (aka poorly informed).
In short, opinions are only entirely subjective in the realm of a subject's mind. Once they voice their opinion to the external world, it becomes relative to objective truth. In order to determine which opinions are 'good' and which are 'bad', the objective truths upon which they trespass must be considered.
Oh, and in case it needs to be added: To call evolution a "myth" is absolutely wrong in every sense of the word "myth". If by "myth", someone simply means something along the lines of "wrong" or "unsubstantiated opinion", they are also absolutely wrong unless they provide evidence which supports their claim (and, in fact, none has ever been produced).
For future reference:
Fact: An objective or verifiable observation. Examples: Apples fall from trees. Living things have changed over time. Facts are a dime a dozen. They aren't very interesting nor do they contain any explanatory power.
Law: A verbal or mathematical statement of a relation that is always under the same conditions. Examples: The laws of motion and gravity. Laws are not very important either. They have no basic explanatory power. Laws simply state what we have observed in a simple relationship. They are great for engineering purposes however.
Hypothesis: a suggested explanation for an observable phenomenon or of a reasoned proposal predicting a possible causal correlation among multiple phenomena. A scientific hypothesis must be testable. A good hypothesis will be as simple as possible (Occam's razor), will have a good scope (explain multiple phenomenon), have predictive power to explain future events, and fit with current knowledge. A hypothesis is the core of science. They are used to explore different explanations for why things occur. Example: Jim eats a cookie everyday at 3:00 because he is diabetic.
Theory: Scientific theories are constructed from elementary theorems that consist in empirical data about observable phenomena. A scientific theory is used as a plausible general principle or body of principles offered to explain a phenomenon. Theories are built on scores of facts, multiple laws, and many well established and proven hypothesis. Theories are the ultimate explanation in science. However, theories are still subject to change and challenge based on new data. One of the best ways to become a famous scientist is to disprove a theory. Examples: theory of gravity and theory of evolution.
via http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/forums/index.php?topic=5343.msg116806#msg116806
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djbusiness
10 years ago
Oh wow. You are very articulate and with such a broad range of lexicon you seem to have masked the fact that are COMPLETELY wrong.
"A theory can never be proved, only disproved" - Stephen hawking.
Theories can never be fact. You're telling me that the widely scientifically believed theory that the earth was flat was fact because it can be 'observed' (if it wasn't a sphere then the people at the bottom would fall off).
Truth is. We know nothing. And only once you can accept that "true wisdom is knowing how little you know", can you accept that a theory is only ever a theory. It can never he proved.
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