Accepted Quote by Anthony Standen
“Evolution ... is really two theories, the vague theory and the precise theory. The vague theory has been abundantly proved… The precise theory has never been proved at all. However, like relativity, it is accepted on faith… On getting down to actual details, difficulties begin.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Scientific Perspectives, 1973
Scientific theories range from broadly supported, loosely defined ideas to narrowly defined, rigorously tested concepts; the latter often lack empirical proof despite widespread acceptance.
In simple terms: Some theories are vague and accepted; precise ones lack proof.
Key Takeaway
Seek evidence before accepting precise claims.
Themes
science
philosophy
knowledge
skepticism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research funding
- academic publishing
- public policy
Key Concepts
theory validation
empirical evidence
faith in science
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate between well‑supported and speculative theories?
- What role does faith play in scientific acceptance?
A Different Perspective
Precise theories may persist without proof, leading to dogma.
![“Evolution is a theory in a special philosophical sense of science, but in terms of ordinary laymen's use of language, it's a fact, .. Evolution is a fact in the same sense that it's a fact that the Earth is round and not flat, [that] the Earth goes round the Sun. Both those are also theories, but…” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/237/richard-dawkins-115_earth_evolution-is-a-theory-in-a-special-philo_1969521.jpg)
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
