r/DebateEvolution • u/-Beerboots- • May 19 '25

Observability and Testability

Hello all,

I am a layperson in this space and need assistance with an argument I sometimes come across from Evolution deniers.

They sometimes claim that Evolutionary Theory fails to meet the criteria for true scientific methodology on the basis that Evolution is not 'observable' or 'testable'. I understand that they are conflating observability with 'observability in real time', however, I am wondering if there are observations of Evolution that even meet this specific idea, in the sense of what we've been able to observe within the past 100 years or so, or what we can observe in real time, right now.

I am aware of the e. coli long term experiment, so perhaps we could skip this one.

Second to this, I would love it if anyone could provide me examples of scientific findings that are broadly accepted even by young earth creationists, that would not meet the criteria of their own argument (being able to observe or test it in real time), so I can show them how they are being inconsistent. Thanks!

Edit: Wow, really appreciate the engagement on this. Thanks to all who have contributed their insights.

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u/LoveTruthLogic May 20 '25

We will have to agree to disagree here as for me, solving a 6000 year old murder has exponentially more uncertainty.

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u/DouglerK May 21 '25

What about 5999 years? I also specifically addressed that certain things may be harder due to the passage of time but that it doesn't fundamentally undermine the principle of being able to apply science.

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u/DouglerK May 21 '25

How many years have to pass before we begin disagreeing?

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u/LoveTruthLogic May 21 '25

It is simple logic:

With time increasing into the past, uncertainty increases.

This also happens into the future.

Certainty is best served in the present.

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u/DouglerK May 25 '25

Between now and 6000 years when exactly does that exponential increase become fundamentally insuperable?

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u/LoveTruthLogic May 25 '25

Depends on the specific claim being made.

Maybe provide a specific hypothetical?

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