Pushing space

[Magneto_1]

Out of curiosity, are you attempting to use Descartes to discredit modern astrophysics?

Superstring - No I am not trying to "discredit" anyone or modern astrophysics. I have studied much of Rene Descartes works and discovered that he was always really close to getting the right answer in postulating his theories; but he never seemed to get the exact answers. Descartes work was just ok, such that Newton was able to totally overshadow him. However, Descartes does have some really good ideas.

I was only pointing out to Tashja that considering a vortex motion for gravitation is not a new concept and goes back 400 years.

 

[OnlyMe]

How does one prove a theory exactly (rhetorical question)?

Good point! Once it is proven it is no longer theory.

 

[superstring01]

Good point! Once it is proven it is no longer theory.

No it's not. Learn the definition.

~String

 

[NMSquirrel]

No it's not. Learn the definition.

~String

that may be..
but its a technicality..
the term theory is often used in a 'not a law' context,
although some science uses it as a 'is a law' context..

so just to argue against the use of the word in a 'not a law' context,is irresponsible..

i think the use of the word is a political thing..otherwise theory of evolution would be the law of evolution..like the law of thermodynamics,etc..

 

[Dywyddyr]

that may be..
but its a technicality..
the term theory is often used in a 'not a law' context,
although some science uses it as a 'is a law' context..

so just to argue against the use of the word in a 'not a law' context,is irresponsible..

i think the use of the word is a political thing..otherwise theory of evolution would be the law of evolution..like the law of thermodynamics,etc..

No.
A theory is an overarching explanation that fits the facts.
A law is statement of a single fact.
http://wilstar.com/theories.htm

 

[NMSquirrel]

No.
A theory is an overarching explanation that fits the facts.
A law is statement of a single fact.
http://wilstar.com/theories.htm

public opinion has influence on what words mean..since this is a public board, when this word comes up, it must be taken in context.

i won't argue with you about the actual meaning of the word..just the public use of the word..

 

[Dywyddyr]

public opinion has influence on what words mean..since this is a public board, when this word comes up, it must be taken in context.
i won't argue with you about the actual meaning of the word..just the public use of the word..

As Fraggle Rocker has pointed out many times, this is a science board and scientific terms should be at least grasped basically if not thoroughly understood.

Regardless, "public perception" has nothing to do with String's point: theories do not get proven and a theory is in itself the most definite thing we have in science. Theories do not get "promoted" since they are the top of the tree.

A theory is not a law, as you stated, but a theory may be an explanation of the various laws that consist it.