[Phys-L] Re: Bad Theory?

[John Denker <jsd@AV8N.COM>]

Dwight K. Souder wrote in part:

> I sometimes think about the theory of how the craters on the moon formed.
> At one time, the common theory was that they were extinct volcanoes.  Was
> that a bad theory?  No!


Herb G. responded:

> > I think that Dwight is confusing the words "theory" and "hypothesis"

It's not that simple.  The word "theory" has _two_ meanings, both of which
are perfectly respectable, and both of which have been in use for more than
2000 years.
  -- The first meaning is something like law or rule, only much grander,
   namely a system of rules giving a coherent description and explanation
   of a topic.
  -- The other meaning refers to a a mere speculation or conjecture.

Because of this multiplicity of meanings, IMHO it is best to just avoid using
the word "theory", unless you are absolutely sure that your audience -- whoever
that may be -- knows and accepts your intended meaning.


Certainly there can be "bad" theories, under either definition.  You can, right
now, make up a theory that doesn't fit the facts.  Doing so is easy, but not
very useful, except to prove that it can be done.

Goodness and badness are of course moving targets.  A lunar theory that fit the
available facts 200 years ago might not fit the facts today.

In particular, if somebody says a theory was good then but isn't good now, I
would take that to mean a hypothesis that was viable then is no longer viable
now.  My wording is a little cleaner, but the other wording is not unreasonable.
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