On Thu, Jun 12, 2003 at 12:15:50PM -0700, Chad Cooper wrote: > Once again, you trumped me. I was drafting a message about what the > difference (as I was taught) between an idea, theory and hypothesis, > and you beat me to it (This was in response to Erik cutting me some > slack on my use of "theory"). > > I would only add that hypothesis should only be used in the context > of fulfilling the initial requirement for the scientific method > process, and theory is used in place of proof, if a proof is not > complete or not possible. At least this is what I was taught in High > school science, for what that's worth. Nerd From Hell
You are correct that hypothesis (or conjecture or idea) would have been more precise. I will endeavor to pick my words more carefully in the future. However, my usage of "theory" is not incorrect, according to American Heritage Dictionary. I was using it in the context of definition #6. And it is pretty clear you are disingenous. You may want to start a competition, but I do not. Feel free to point out imprecisions in my word choices in the future, and I will endeavor to improve. the·o·ry ( P ) Pronunciation Key (th-r, thîr) n. pl. the·o·ries 1. A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena. 2. The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory. 3. A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics. 4. Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory. 5. A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime. 6. An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture. [Late Latin theria, from Greek theri, from theros, spectator : probably the, a viewing + -oros, seeing (from horn, to see).] Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. -- "Erik Reuter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://www.erikreuter.net/ _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
