11/18/23, 2:14 PM
ASTR 100 B FA23: Lesson 2.1: Dawn of the Heliocentric Model: 8. A Scientific Theory | Learn@Illinois
https://learn.illinois.edu/mod/lesson/view.php?id=8087864&pageid=1727876
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Portrait of Galileo Galilei. Justus Sustermans, Wikimedia
As you've seen from the videos, the two scientific theories - geocentrism and heliocentrism - stood side by side for many years until
Galileo used a telescope (though he did not invent it) to change the way we think of ourselves. "What is a scientific theory?" you ask
yourself. Luckily, you find a video explaining just that.
This video makes a big deal out of the word theory
. In science, the word theory
means an idea that has been repeatedly tested, and it
fits all the data and observations. Colloquially, among friends, one can say I have a 'theory' on why astronomy is a fun class. But, in this
case, your theory is not
a scientific theory...even if it is true.
What is the ultimate test for a scientific theory?
A. That the National Academy of Science decrees that it shall be correct.
B. That it be accepted by the vast majority of the population of the Earth.
C. That it make predictions that are verifiable by observation or measurement.
D. That it be accepted by the vast majority of the scientific community.
