At 11:33 AM -0600 11/27/07, Rob Weisskirch wrote: >In addition, theories are theories.
But a theory is not just an hypothesis (the mistake that the Creationists make). A theory is a conceptual structure that unites a set of observations (facts). Freud's system would be a scientific theory if and only if it were based on facts which, as we have seen, is questionable. > Keep in mind that there is the Theory of Natural Selection--is that >no less a theory than Freudian theory? [I'm not advocating for >intelligent design]. This is why Evolution through Natural Selection qualifies as a scientific theory and Intelligent Design and Psychoanalysis don't. >In fact, I would posit that any religion is also a theory. It is a >belief system until it is falsified. Again, religion would not qualify as a scientific theory unless it were based on demonstrated facts. Until then, it is just an hypothesis, and in the case of religion, not stated in such a way that falsification is even possible. >So, my question is when is a theory no longer a theory and >disappears? Let's take phrenology. please ;-) > I would venture to say that most people would not think that the >lumps on your skull determine anything about your character. > However, you can attend a local fair, I'm sure, where there are >people willing to take your money and read your lumps. And you will take your lumps. But the fact that people believe it doesn't make it a scientific hypothesis, much less a theory. -- The best argument against Intelligent Design is that fact that people believe in it. * PAUL K. BRANDON [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * Psychology Dept Minnesota State University * * 23 Armstrong Hall, Mankato, MN 56001 ph 507-389-6217 * * http://krypton.mnsu.edu/~pkbrando/ * ---
