So further to the previous post on this topic

I got some feedback as part of the discussion, so can expand with the help of Christie Dudley [@longobord@infosec.exchange]

The problem that definition has is it incorporates the *popular* definition of theory, not the scientific definition. For example, "Natural selection" is a theory whereas "Creationism" is a hypothesis. 

The fundamental difference between the two definitions, in the scientific method, is the testing, where the scientist attempts to come up with scenarios to prove the hypothesis wrong and if it survives that inquiry it can become a theory. 

Some scientists then go on to try to prove other theories wrong. It's an iterative process and because a theory can never be *proved* right, it remains a theory, not a fact.

I can't really put it any better than the above. So will leave this explanation as it is. Big thank you to Christie for this. This is why I like Fedi.

#Definition.#Dictionary,#hypothesis,#theory

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As part of a discussion on the fediverse it was suggested I offer an explanation as to the difference between hypothesis and theory.

So I looked this up on Cambridge Dictionary

And found the following. I am linking to the full page here too.

hypothesis link noun [ C ]

an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved: 

theory Link noun [ C or U ]

a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a fact or event or, more generally, an opinion or explanation: 

Tags

#Definition.#Dictionary,#Hypothesis,#Theory

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