it is actually both a law and a scientific theory. There is Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation and the Theory of General relativity. The law shows it exists and is proportional to mass. The theory attempts to explain how it works and is currently our best explanation.
“Theory”, as in “Theory of Gravity”, does NOT mean speculation, hypothesis, or (wild) guess. It means an explanation that fits the facts and can be used predictively.
That’s because the term “theory” gets so misused in everyday usage.
A theory is not speculation or an unsupported idea. A theory is the best explanation possible for an observed phenomenon. Theories can be so good, so supported, that they become considered “facts.” But there really are no actual facts, just well-supported theories.
That’s because even well-supported theories are subject to change as new information arises. Gravity, for example, was very well explained by Newton. Until Einstein came along and changed our understanding of time and space by re-defining gravity—especially at very high speeds. And at the sub-atomic level we’re still trying to understand how gravity is different using quantum mechanics.
But some people want to take down theories they don’t like by misusing the term. The theory that describes evolution—natural selection—is an example. It is utterly undeniable scientifically, but people still do. Or the theory that human actions are causing global climate change. It’s incredibly well-supported, but some people just don’t want to believe it, so they say it is “just a theory.”
Colloquially, we use the term “fact” when we really mean a theory that is so good, holds up so well, that there is little chance anything will come along to change it. If that’s the case, then gravity, evolution, and climate change are all facts.
danketaz Premium Member over 1 year ago
Would you settle for “What goes up, Must come down.”?
Skeezix's Birth Father over 1 year ago
Miles is still gripping and pedaling, just in case.
What ever over 1 year ago
In another eight to ten years, Miles will understand the difference between a common theory, a scientific theory, and a mathematical theorem.
Kevin, on the other hand …
mccollunsky over 1 year ago
Meanwhile, ouch.
Ida No over 1 year ago
Most good theories do, Miles. Most good ones do.
some idiot from R'lyeh Premium Member over 1 year ago
It’s important to challenge established orthodoxy sometimes.
rickicker over 1 year ago
SCIENTIFIC theory, Miles. She’s a cold mistress, and defying her will only lead to your ruin.
saylorgirl over 1 year ago
Okay, who had the stuffed bunny on their bike?
Brass Orchid Premium Member over 1 year ago
Hmm… starting to think that gravity is axiomatic, and the theory only pertains to how it works.
diskus Premium Member over 1 year ago
Actually I thought the concepts of gravity were actually labeled as Law not theory which is actually hard to do in science
Ellis97 over 1 year ago
It’s no theory. It’s a fact.
frenat over 1 year ago
it is actually both a law and a scientific theory. There is Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation and the Theory of General relativity. The law shows it exists and is proportional to mass. The theory attempts to explain how it works and is currently our best explanation.
Khatkhattu Premium Member over 1 year ago
I see Crumbs, but where’s Kody? (Arc begins April 17, 2020-May back when this was only a thrice weekly strip).
stamps over 1 year ago
“Theory”, as in “Theory of Gravity”, does NOT mean speculation, hypothesis, or (wild) guess. It means an explanation that fits the facts and can be used predictively.
Barnabus Blackoak over 1 year ago
Evolution is a theory, gravity is THE LAW https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton%27s_law_of_universal_gravitation
William Bludworth Premium Member over 1 year ago
How many of us learned about gravity watching Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius?
6turtle9 over 1 year ago
Different law, but, every action has an opposite and equal reaction. Upon your head, in this case.
Rich Douglas over 1 year ago
That’s because the term “theory” gets so misused in everyday usage.
A theory is not speculation or an unsupported idea. A theory is the best explanation possible for an observed phenomenon. Theories can be so good, so supported, that they become considered “facts.” But there really are no actual facts, just well-supported theories.
That’s because even well-supported theories are subject to change as new information arises. Gravity, for example, was very well explained by Newton. Until Einstein came along and changed our understanding of time and space by re-defining gravity—especially at very high speeds. And at the sub-atomic level we’re still trying to understand how gravity is different using quantum mechanics.
But some people want to take down theories they don’t like by misusing the term. The theory that describes evolution—natural selection—is an example. It is utterly undeniable scientifically, but people still do. Or the theory that human actions are causing global climate change. It’s incredibly well-supported, but some people just don’t want to believe it, so they say it is “just a theory.”
Colloquially, we use the term “fact” when we really mean a theory that is so good, holds up so well, that there is little chance anything will come along to change it. If that’s the case, then gravity, evolution, and climate change are all facts.
kaffekup over 1 year ago
Just don’t test the “Theory of electricity”, Miles.
Taracinablue over 1 year ago
Midair air quotes, lol
leopardglily over 1 year ago
A rerun