The word theory can be used in a scientific context or in a layman/non-scientific way. For the latter theory is defined like hypothesis is in science. It would be great if the general population would acknoledge the different concepts behind those terms, but it is no mistake to say theory when speculating about a single issue.

by eborujion on 09/17/2009 06:52:17 AM EST

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See my example of how it influences the evolution/creationism nonsense. People say "evolution is just a theory" when what they're really saying is that it's "just a hypothesis" which is incorrect.

So even though I understand your point, when you say "hey, let me run this theory by you" you're (unintentionally) undermining the credibility and meaning of "theory" which comes back to bite us. 

by Tom Hanc on 09/17/2009 12:34:54 PM EST

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I sometimes forget that most people still don't know or acknoledge the difference.

by eborujion on 09/17/2009 08:31:57 PM EST

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