What is the difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis? Why do scientists refer to basic scientific principles as "theories" rather than "facts"?

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on empirical evidence, observations, and experiments. It has undergone rigorous testing, modification, and has withstood scrutiny from the scientific community over time. Theories are usually created after further testing of hypotheses and help to unify various observations and ideas.

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for an observation or phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation and data collection. It is usually formulated after observing patterns in data and serves as the starting point for scientific investigation. A hypothesis must be falsifiable, meaning that it must be possible to prove it wrong. It is considered a "tentative" explanation until enough evidence has been collected to either support or refute it.

The main differences between a scientific theory and a hypothesis are their level of support and the degree of certainty. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation. Hypotheses are formulating before conducting experiments, while theories are generally developed after a hypothesis has been tested repeatedly and undergone significant scrutiny.

Scientists refer to basic scientific principles as "theories" rather than "facts" for two main reasons: 1. Evolving Nature of Scientific Knowledge: Scientific theories are always subject to revisions and expansions as new evidence is collected, and our understanding of the natural world grows. Labeling them as "facts" implies a level of finality and rigidity that the dynamic nature of scientific knowledge does not possess. 2. Theoretical Frameworks: Theories, unlike facts, consist of a comprehensive framework that explains a broad range of phenomena and helps make predictions about future observations. This framework allows for a more in-depth understanding and connections between various concepts, making theories more versatile than just single facts. Overall, scientists use the term "theory" to emphasize that their explanations are based on evidence and have withstood scrutiny, while also acknowledging the possibility of revision and expansion as our knowledge advances.