Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Scientific theory

2007-03-16T00:37:14Z

Cypherpunks: important distinction

A theory is a logically self-consistent model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena. It originates from and/or is supported by experimental evidence (see [[scientific method]]). In this sense, a theory is a systematic and formalized expression of all previous observations that is predictive, logical and testable. In principle, scientific theories are always tentative, and subject to corrections or inclusion in a yet wider theory. Commonly, a large number of more specific hypotheses may be logically bound together by just one or two theories. As a general rule for use of the term, theories tend to deal with much broader sets of universals than do hypotheses, which ordinarily deal with much more specific sets of phenomena or specific applications of a theory.

Over time, and with proof over a universal range, scientific theories can become scientific laws. The Universal Law of Gravitation is one such example.

It is important to make the distinction between a scientific theory and a common theory. Many will refer to some hypotheses (good examples include [[Young Earth Theory]] and [[Intelligent Design]]) as theories, despite their utter lack of supporting evidence, and then claiming them to be as valid as an evidence-backed scientific theory.

Intelligent design

2007-03-16T00:31:36Z

Cypherpunks: either it's a theory or a hypothesis. pick one.

Intelligent Design is the hypothesis that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, rather than natural processes, such as [[evolution]][http://www.discovery.org/csc/topQuestions.php]. The hypothesis on intelligent design leaves the identity of the intelligent cause open, since this question is not accessible by scientific investigation [http://www.ideacenter.org/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/1341]. Many proponents however admit to believe the intelligent cause to be [[God]].

To date there have been over forty peer-reviewed articles supporting Intelligent Design in such publications as the ''Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington'' and internationally respected scientific journals such as ''Rivista di Biologia.'' [http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&id=2640]

Design hypothesis enjoys a small amount of stated support within the worldwide scientific community (creationist scientists report there is widespread discriminatory action against creationist scientists[http://www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v9/i2/suppression.asp]), but it is steadily growing. From 2001 to 2007 over 700 scientists had signed the pro-Intelligent Design manifesto ''A Scientific Dissent From Darwinism'' published by the leaders of the design movement, the Discovery Institute. [http://www.dissentfromdarwin.org/] This is largely due to much new scientific evidence from many scientific disciplines such as cosmology, physics and biology. This has caused some scientists to question the claim of the dominant scientific community that evolution is the best explanation for the origin of life and call for public school science students to study the evidence supporting it in greater detail.

In a recent trial in Dover, Pennsylvania Judge John E. Jones III ruled that Intelligent Design was not valid science and "cannot uncouple itself from its creationist, and thus religious, antecedents".

In a speech to the Anti-Defamation League, Jones said that "had I decided the Dover matter in a different way, I would have then engaged in just the kind of judicial activism which critics decry," stating that he was bound by "over a half century of strong legal precedents."[http://www.adl.org/Civil_Rights/speech_judge_jones.asp]

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Politics]]

Apartheid

2007-03-16T00:23:50Z

Cypherpunks: fixed up sixth-grade level language and replaced the Corinthians quote with one easier to understand.

Apartheid is a social and political policy of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by white minority governments in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.

[[Nelson Mandela]] was jailed for his fight against apartheid. When the black population of South Africa was given the right to vote in 1994, he was elected President.

The Bible says, "Then one of them, who was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him and saying, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said unto him, "`Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: `Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.'" - Matthew 22:35-39

Radiocarbon dating

2007-03-16T00:18:55Z

Cypherpunks:

Radiocarbon dating is a method for estimating the age of material by measuring the amount of radiocarbon in it. This technique is based on assumptions about the concentration of carbon-14 in the atmosphere, and measured [[half-life]] of carbon-14 as approximately 5568 ± 30 years.

When the age of the material is a few thousand years old, the assumptions become more important and the estimates are less reliable. Sometimes due to atmospheric disturbances the level of carbon-14 varies. For example, testing of [[nuclear bomb|nuclear weapons]] in the atmosphere nearly doubled the concentration of carbon-14 in the Northern Hemisphere. For this reason, other isotopes with longer half-lives are to date objects beyond the accuracy levels of carbon-14. For instance, the decay of potassium-40 is often used to measure dinosaur fossils.