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== Falsifiability Criteria  ==

== Falsifiability Criteria  ==

Some creation scientists have argued that the evolution of all life on Earth from a common annecestor is not a [[falsification|falsifiable]] hypothesis and as such should be considered a [[pseudoscience]] according to criteria proposed by the renowned philosophy of science [[Karl Popper]].  The falsifiability principle essentially states that scientific theories are testable, and theories that are not testable are not scientific.   

Some creation scientists have argued that the evolution of all life on Earth from a common annecestor is not a [[falsification|falsifiable]] hypothesis and as such should be considered a [[pseudoscience]] according to criteria proposed by the renowned philosophy of science [[Karl Popper]].  The falsifiability principle essentially states that scientific theories are testable, and theories that are not testable are not scientific. The concept of [[Falsifiability]], coined in Popper's book, ''The Logic of Scientific Discovery'', led Popper to classify evolution as a "metaphysical research programme."<ref>{{hnb|Popper|1976|p=167-180}} as quoted by {{harvnb|Number|1992|p=247}}</ref>  

Evolutionary proponents assert, however, that evolution is falsifiable.  Most famously the English biologist [[JBS Haldane]] argued that "fossil rabbits in the precambrian"<ref>Ridley, M (2003). Evolution, Third Edition. Blackwell Publishing Limited.</ref> would falsify evolution while arguing that the [[theory of evolution]] is a scientific theory even under Popper's falsifiability criteria.   

Evolutionary devotees counter, however, that evolution is falsifiable.  Most famously, the English biologist [[JBS Haldane]] argued that "fossil rabbits in the precambrian"<ref>Ridley, M (2003). Evolution, Third Edition. Blackwell Publishing Limited.</ref> would falsify evolution--while arguing that the [[theory of evolution]] is a scientific theory even under Popper's falsifiability criteria.   

In 1980, Popper responded to news that his conclusions were being used by creation-scientists by affirming that theories regarding the origins of life on earth were [[science|scientific]] because "their hypotheses can in many cases be tested,"<ref>{{hnb|Popper|1980|p=611}} as cited in {{hnb|Numbers|1992|p=247}}</ref> but he stopped short of granting full scientific standing to evolution.<ref>{{hnb|Numbers|1992|p=247}}</ref>  With Popper's equivocal stance on evolution not resolving the matter, Douglas Theobald argues at TalkOrigins, a pro-evolution website, cataloged 30 major biological predictions of evolution, with "potential falsifications".<ref> Theobald, Douglas (2004) [http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/comdesc/default.html| 29+ Evidences for Macroevolution: Scientific "Proof", scientific evidence, and the scientific method.] The TalkOrigins Archive. Retrieved on 2007-05-12.</ref>  

In 1980, Popper responded to news that his conclusions were being used by creation-scientists by affirming that theories regarding the origins of life on earth were [[science|scientific]] because "their hypotheses can in many cases be tested,"<ref>{{hnb|Popper|1980|p=611}} as cited in {{hnb|Numbers|1992|p=247}}</ref> but he stopped short of granting full scientific standing to evolution.<ref>{{hnb|Numbers|1992|p=247}}</ref>  With Popper's equivocal stance on evolution not resolving the matter, Douglas Theobald argues at TalkOrigins, a pro-evolution website, cataloged 30 major biological predictions of evolution, with "potential falsifications".<ref> Theobald, Douglas (2004) [http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/comdesc/default.html| 29+ Evidences for Macroevolution: Scientific "Proof", scientific evidence, and the scientific method.] The TalkOrigins Archive. Retrieved on 2007-05-12.</ref>