1a.
Theory – A scientific theory consists of one or more hypotheses that have been supported by repeated testing. Theories are widely accepted in the science community and generally viewed as being true. Theories can evolve when new information is discovered. Theories describe how and why something happens.
Law – Always true. Often short, expressed in a single statement and generally rely on a concise mathematical equation. They are universally accepted and the cornerstones of science. Generally referred to as the “Laws of Nature”. A law tells us what happens, but doesn’t describe how or why.
Source: https://futurism.com/hypothesis-theory-or-law
Theory – A coherent group of tested propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena. In other words, a well substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world. A theory is an explanation.
Law – An observation of a phenomena that the theory attempts to explain. A law is an observation.
Source: https://medium.com/science-journal/scientific-theory-vs-scientific-law-5624633a8f1b
Theory – Well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation. These fact-supported theories are not “guesses” but reliable accounts of the real world. In short – a well-supported explanation of observations.
Law – Similar to scientific theories in that they are principles that can be used to predict the behavior of the natural world. Usually scientific laws refer to rules for how nature will behave under certain conditions, frequently written as an equation. In short – statement that summarizes the relationship between variables.
Summarization:
Theory – After reading these definitions given by different authors, it is evident there are a few similarities between them. All three definitions for Theory mentioned that it is an explanation, or explains why something is the way it is. Also, all mention in some way that the theories are reliable and trustworthy. Only one mentioned that theories can evolve with new information that is present. This is true; advancing technology will continue to reveal new observations and studies in the science world. This will in turn, change theories. Out of all the sites I looked through, there was a consensus when it came to the definitions of Theory.
Klay’s definition of Theory: An collection of tested hypotheses to form a generalized idea; usually being referred to as true in the science community.
Law – For the Law definitions, there are a few things that seemed to reoccur. The first was that all scientific laws’ are short statements. They are straight and to the point. They are explanations of why things happen and are always true. Only one did not mention that a law is generally matched with an equation. Other than that, there was a consensus between these definitions.
Klay’s definition of Law: A statement that explains observations in the natural world.
1b.
In my own words, “true” means something that is irreversible. It is a fact that it cannot be wrong. In terms of science, truth is,” malleable and perfectly irreversible thing.” This is because scientists compile data into models of how natural systems work. Over time, advancements in science and technology cause these models to adjust accordingly (https://berkeleysciencereview.com/2017/04/truth-in-science/). I believe that a law can be true, but theories cannot. Theories are theories because they cannot be proven with the current scientific knowledge we have. The “Big Bang Theory” to some may be true, but it cannot be proven at this moment in time. However, the Law of Gravity can be proven and is therefore true. Mathematicians would agree with this definition of truth because in math, an answer that is “true” can be proven in many different ways and examples. The “truth” for an accountant is making sure all the numbers at the end of the balance sheet add up. They may try to hide some debt or loans they have, payables that haven’t been paid, just so that the company’s stock price stays up and shareholder’s are happy. There are honest accountants and there are not so honest, some just need the assets to equal liabilities and owners equity.
1c.
I would ask this person if they’ve ever been in a life threatening situation; maybe a car crash, or a near death experience. It was in this moment that they somehow survived. People may say,” I was just lucky.” I would tell them,” No, you were saved by the grace of God. His story for you is not through yet, and you still have much to do in your life.” One example for me that helps me realize there is a greater power is in places of extreme beauty: National parks, the mountains, the Grand Canyon. Most times when people are in these places, they just look around and take it all in. There is this feeling of awe and amazement. This is something that God has created. In times of struggle, who do these people who do not believe turn to? Do they wake up everyday hoping something will change? What I would tell them to do is trust in God, and to pray. He has a plan for everyone, and he puts people through adversity to make them stronger. “It therefore pertains to the infinite goodness of God that he permits evil to exist and from this brings forth good.” (https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/aquinas3.asp) This person should have interest in becoming a Christian because believing in something bigger than yourself is humbling, and makes you feel just. What’s the worst that could happen? You worship a power greater than yourself, pray and believe in the heavens; then when you pass you either enter the gates of heaven, being reunited with late family and friends. Sounds like a pretty good reason to me.
