Fact of Evolution

["George Mcghee" <mcghee@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Since it is clear that many average citizens do not understand the 
differences between hypotheses and theories, belief systems and science,
why not simply short-circuit the problem and teach evolution as FACT.
If you can see it, most people accept it as fact.  We do not refer to
"the theory that the Earth is a globe", we teach it as fact.  One that can
be empirically observed.  Now, WHY the Earth has the shape it has leads to
theory.  

Thus I would say this: "Evolution is a fact.  It is an empirical observation".
I would then invite anyone to visit the lab of any working population
geneticist to observe evolution (change in gene frequencies with time,
which IS evolution).  I would invite anyone to visit the lab of any 
working paleontologist to observe evolution.  It is a fact that 3.5 Ga ago
only monerans were present on the Earth, it is a fact that most all
dinosaurs died out 65 Ma ago, etc.  And I would invite anyone to visit any
good medical school to observe our current dilemma with bacteria, which
continually evolve resistence to our antibiotics.

Evolution is a fact, an empirical observation.  WHY does life evolve?  Now
, and now only (in my view), to we enter the realm of theory.  The most
widely accepted theory as to why life evolves is the Theory of Natural
Selection, but that is not the only theory.  The phrase "the theory of 
evolution" causes enormous confusion to the general public -- in 90% of
cases what is meant is "the theory of natural selection".  Let us say so!
Replace the reporter's headlines of "scientists debate theory of evolution"
with "scientists debate theory of natural selection", or neutralism, or
whatever.

Sorry to digress on a pet peeve, but words are really powerful.  We
should consider their impact as well as their meaning.

George McGhee