We can, through the usual methods of scientific observation prove that
convergence, divergence and resulting adaptation of species occurs over
time (with reasonable confidence). The process of evolution, therefore, has
been proven to be factual.
Those two sentences do not have a necessary logical connection.
Even if we could prove convergence, divergence, and adaptation of species, and I think the degree of confidence is not as high as some think (there is a tendency to want to fit observed phenomena into the theory), there could be other explanations than evolution for that. For example, though I don't happen to believe it, these changes could perfectly well be being made by an intelligent being rather than by natural selection. After all, I go through much the same process getting from an idea for a paper to the finished paper. Somebody from an alien culture just looking at the sequence of writings in my trash can and not knowing the time frame involved or how words got created on paper could easily conclude that some sort of natural selection of (hopefully) better writing emerging from less good writing was taking place.
But even so, I doubt you will find any reputable scientist who will say that evolution is a fact and not a theory. |
