Help For The Layman

[mik3cap]

Do you think people would have a better understanding of the situation if evolution is referred to as a "scientific model" rather than a "scientific theory"? "Theory" apparently has too many connotations for the average uninformed person to grasp. Is it not accurate to refer to evolution as a model, the same way that there's a "standard model" of particles and their interactions in physics?

I know it's not possible to convince average uninformed persons of religious conviction of anything. But I'm hoping that maybe we can get the fence-sitting folks less convinced of absolute rightness a bit more over to the side of overwhelming evidence if we change the language slightly. Of course, I suppose it's possible for anti-science folks to just come up with a dismissive "Well, it's just a MODEL, that means it's like a TOY, it's not reeeeal..."

Comments

[sirroxton.livejournal.com]

Yes, probably a majority of moderates do not let their views interfere with their judgment in scientific subjects. Yes, it may be imprudent from a pragmatic standpoint to call out moderates on their views. We're in strong agreement on those points. But just because it isn't pragmatic to alienate moderates doesn't mean that the beef with moderates causing profound social harm isn't legitimate. It just means you have to pick your battles. :)

But yeah, we're in agreement on the subject of the wording that started this discussion.