The Evidence
Scientific theories that advance knowledge demand evidence. Evidence is the relevant information that is presented in theory. Evidence is publicly verifiable, reproducible, and references facts and observations to inform scientists (and convince others) which theories are probably true. There are various measures, philosophical approaches, and tests to convey on the likelihood or degree of support that the evidence conveys about a particular inference. Evidence is relevant to an inference if it impinges on the conclusion. It is rational and logical to believe in or accept a conclusion if all available relevant evidence is considered in and supported by the theory. Theories are answerable to the evidence. Evidence comes in many forms, stems from diverse methods, and is itself also related to inference and theories. Moreover, "the connection between theory and evidence in all of modern science is indirect, relying on many layers of intermediary theories and auxiliary hypotheses." In this regard, there is a great wealth of evidence supporting evolutionary theory, including formal tests of the evidence pointing to conclusions that are based on the common ancestry of life.
Read more about this topic: Evolution As Fact And Theory
Famous quotes containing the word evidence:
“If you are of the opinion that the contemplation of suicide is sufficient evidence of a poetic nature, do not forget that actions speak louder than words.”
—Fran Lebowitz (b. 1951)
“In spite of the air of fable ... the public were still not at all disposed to receive it as fable. I thence concluded that the facts of my narrative would prove of such a nature as to carry with them sufficient evidence of their own authenticity.”
—Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)