The Difference Between Theory and Hypothesis
The two are often used interchangeably — but this is a mistake.
Failure to distinguish the two causes a great deal of confusion.
A theory is a well-established framework that is consistent with the scientific method; indeed, it’s the most rigorous form of scientific knowledge. This definition is in stark contrast with the public perception of what a theory is — theories are not guesses. They’re not even educated guesses. They’re explanations of the natural world based on facts that have been repeatedly tested through observation and experiment. Well-known theories include,
- Heliocentric theory (The earth orbits the sun),
- The theory of plate tectonics,
- The theory of gravity,
- And yes, the theory of evolution.
A theory is more than “just a theory”. And in fact, theories are more than facts — they’re better. Theories can make predictions. Indeed, the Higgs boson was discovered almost 50 years after it was first predicted to exist.
A hypothesis, on the other hand, is a proposed explanation for phenomena.
A scientific hypothesis, however, is one that can be tested; in other words, it is falsifiable. It can be demonstrated to be false based on the evidence.
An unfalsifiable hypothesis cannot be demonstrated to be false. I cannot disprove, say, higher-dimensional potatoes following me everywhere I go; I can’t access higher dimensions.
Calling a theory a hypothesis undermines the theory. And calling a hypothesis a theory lends it more credence than it deserves.
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