Scientific theory on solid ground

JAMES D. WATSON’S evolution essay (“Why Darwin’s Still a Scientific Hotshot,” Book Review, Sept. 18) captured the majesty and wonder that one gets from studying how living things have evolved, but I was surprised to read the last paragraph where he denigrates calling evolution a scientific theory and instead prefers to use the term “law.”

As I understand it, a scientific law is a descriptive generalization about how some aspect of the natural world behaves under stated circumstances. A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that incorporates facts, laws, inferences and hypotheses. Theories in science are the endpoint of scientific inquiry, which means they are the most powerful and inclusive overlying explanations in the scientific process.

Watson’s well-reasoned essay is weakened when he plays into the hands of those who say that evolution is just a theory by calling it a law. The ignorance of the scientific process and the significance of “scientific theories” by the general public and many of our leaders only fuels the fires of those who want evolution removed from our schools.

WALTER WOGEE

Rialto