[Avodah] Evolution

[Ken Goldman]

> If evolution is a fact,? then how come it is referred to as the Theory
> of Evolution and not the fact of evolution?

The scientific method starts with a hypothesis. After a few experiments
seem to confirm it, it becomes a theory. E.g., the theory of evolution
or the theory of relativity. After a lot more experiments all confirm
the hypothesis, it becomes a law. E.g., the laws of thermodynamics,
the laws of gravity, Newton's laws of motion.

We can use 'laws' to design things (bridges, computers, antibiotics)
and have a reasonable expectation that the end result will work.

However, laws are not facts in the 1+1=2 sense. They cannot be proven.
We have faith that they were valid in the past and will continue to be
valid in the future.

Newton's laws are not facts, and they are not even correct when one
approaches the speed of light. However, they are still useful laws when
designing jet engines.