Re: Hyperthesis

Mark Sumner (range@inlink.com)
Tue, 5 Aug 1997 16:07:14 -0500 (CDT)

I certainly agree that another term is needed for "theory." Like many of
you, I've probably suffered the "evolution is only a theory" line so many
times that it triggers an allergic reaction.

And I agree that hyperthesis fits the current scientific convention.

However, I think this idea fails to address the problem of separating
public perception from scientific consensus. The term "hyperthesis"
itself is so aloof that I can't imagine using it in general conversation.
Referring to the "evolutionary hyperthesis" would only earn a glassy-eyed
stare. I'm not sure it does anything to drive the point home that "this
is more than a guess, dammit."

Mark Sumner
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