Gravity isn’t a straightforward example of a fact.
I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Teaching, and during a lecture, my Educational Lecturer explained that educational theories are not as clear-cut as scientific ones. They’re more nuanced and often involve subjective ideas, such as whether students should be encouraged to challenge the status quo as free thinkers or be guided to become successful within the current system. She contrasted this with scientific theories, which are often viewed as objective and, in many cases, are considered facts—like the theory of gravity, which she described as essentially a fact.
This perspective is common. People might even accuse someone of being scientifically ignorant if they question the theory of gravity. However, it’s crucial to recognize that gravity is actually something we know we don’t fully understand. Einstein’s theory of relativity replaced Newton’s theory, but we now realize that Einstein’s theory doesn’t work at the quantum level—the realm of tiny particles. And it doesn’t work at the very large level without the help of some “Dark” arts.
For instance, in the famous double-slit experiment, a single electron appears to pass through two slits simultaneously. Yet, we don’t know if the mass of that electron causes two distinct half-strength wobbles in space-time under each slit as if it’s split in two, or two full-strength wobble under each slit as if it momentarily has double its mass, or something else entirely. Our current theory of gravity can’t explain this, and it will likely need to be rewritten.
In contrast, the theory of evolution is much closer to being a fact. Evolutionary theory is built on a robust foundation of evidence and observations that have been consistently validated across various branches of biology. The core principles of evolution—inheritance, variation, and natural selection—are observable in everyday life. For example, we can see inheritance at work when children resemble their parents, variation when no two individuals are exactly alike, and natural selection when certain traits increase an organism’s chances of survival and reproduction.
These principles are so fundamental and well-supported that they are unlikely to be overturned. While our understanding of the mechanisms of evolution may continue to evolve and deepen, the basic framework remains solid. Unlike gravity, which still holds mysteries at the quantum level, evolution has withstood rigorous scientific scrutiny for over a century and remains a cornerstone of biological science.
In many ways, evolution is not just a theory; it’s an explanation that consistently aligns with the facts we observe in nature. It has been repeatedly confirmed through fossil records, genetic research, and even direct observation of evolutionary changes in various species. As a result, while scientific theories are always open to refinement and expansion, evolution stands as one of the most reliable and factual explanations we have about the natural world. So if you want an example of “a Fact” with a capital F, I think evolution should be your go to!