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What is the germ theory?

Why is scientific theory, like the Germ theory, not proven to be true?

  • So my answer is...The Germ Theory is only a theory for a number of reasons. Over time, there can be more evidence to support the Germ Theory. However, some of the findings can contradict the evidence already there. Mainly it is a theory because it always open to change. Researchers can find more information to modifty the idea so therefore it's just a theory. Feedback and suggestions if you'd like! Just studying for a test...this question always messes me up.

  • Answer:

    You are exactly right! Even something as universally accepted as the germ theory is still called a "theory." Scientists use the word 'theory' only to keep reminding themselves that nothing is ever ever *proven* in science (the way it is in mathematics). As you say, evidence mounts, rival theories get toppled because they don't explain the evidence as well, and bit by bit the theory is accepted. But even then, it is still always called a "theory." The strength of science is in the humility to recognize that we are fallible. We can *never* be absolutely positive about anything. An experiment or a piece of evidence could be discovered tomorrow that, if verified, could *disprove* the theory. A theory that does not allow any way for this possibility, is not a scientific theory. However, be careful with that phrase "only a theory." Anti-scientists use that phrase to try and diminish the power or credibility of a theory ... to imply that because something is not 100% certain, it is completely *uncertain.* Scientists have a disadvantage when arguing with anti-scientists. Scientists, with that word "theory" are always always saying "we might be wrong." Anti-scientists are not so burdened ... they *never* say "we might be wrong." Any time science says "hey we found an error, a flaw, a piece of bad data we must throw out" the anti-scientists pounce on it saying "See! The scientists are flawed, error-prone, rife with bad data!" But show an anti-scientist a flaw, an error, a piece of bad data, and they will continue to trot it out *years* after it has been debunked, over and over.

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You're disbelieving the existence of bacteria and virus? You need to get out of USA ASAP!

In.Taco

The word "theory" in science is used to describe an idea which is pretty well established. The more evidence it has in its favor, the more people trust it. It only takes one example to destroy it, though. I don't look for germ theory to be destroyed any more than I look for the theory of gravity or atomic theory to be contradicted. It's just too firmly in place with too much evidence in its favor.

kanajlo

The word theory is used differently by the scientific community than by the general public. A theory in science is the result of many obsevations that support a common idea. The only laws in science are the things that cannot be explained any better. Really a law should be thought of as below theory. For example, Newton proposed his Law of Universal Gravitation, because he couldn't explain what caused gravity. Then about 200 years later Einstein came up with his Theory of General Relativity that gave some reason for gravity. Therefore, ideas about gravity went from Law to Theory when it was better understood. So overall I am trying to say that a Theory gives evidence as to why something is true while a Law states a phenominon without explaining why.

satanorsanta

People often confuse the word theory in Science talk with the word Theorum from mathematics. In mathematics theorums are proven things and proofs exist for them. In science, theories are accepted things, that is, we don't think the answer is going to change much and we don't think it is worth spending much time on trying to do so. But you are right, the jury is in (and the verdict of your peers is 'true'), but it's never entirely settled.

xaviar_onasis

Sorry. Germ theory is a proven fact.

brooks163

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