True liberals like Dean Esmay often find themselves unwilling to call themselves liberal because of the modern connotation of the word. (Heck, modern “liberals” have been shying away from the word lately because they’ve sapped it of every ounce of respect that it once held.)

Similarly, scientists (and the scientific/rationally minded) shy away from the word “theory” because of the image that so many people have of what a “theory” is.

From the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode, “Once More, With Feeling”:

I’ve got a theory
That it’s a demon
A dancing demon
No, something isn’t right there.

I’ve got a theory
Some kid is dreaming
And we’re all stuck inside
His wacky Broadway nightmare

I’ve got a theory we should work this out
It’s getting eerie
What’s this cheery
Singing all about?

It could be witches
Some evil witches,
Which is ridiculous
‘Cause witches, They were persecuted, Wicca good, And love the earth, And women power,
And I’ll be over here

I’ve got a theory
It could be bunnies
[crickets chirp]

I’ve got a–

Bunnies aren’t just cute like everybody supposes
They got them hoppy legs and twitchy little noses
And what’s with all the carrots?
What do they need such good eyesight for anyway?
Bunnies, bunnies
It must be bunnies

… or maybe midgets?
I’ve got a theory,
We should work this fast
Because it clearly
Could get serious
Before it’s passed

I’ve got a theory

Buffy and crew aren’t scientists. As far as the scientific method goes, they’re laypeople. When they say “I’ve got a theory,” they mean the same thing that Dr. John Q. Scientist means when he says, “I’ve got a hypothesis.” It’s a guess. Nothing more, nothing less.

To a scientist, though, a theory isn’t just a guess. It’s a considered, thoughtful explanation that takes a good, solid look at the available facts. It usually describes a model of thinking about things that can be reliably used to predict future behaviors. In order to be more than a mere hypothesis, a theory has to be tested and tried. A scientific theory may not be a fact, but it is usually a good deal more reliable than the “facts” that most people deal with in their day to day lives.

I will not water down the language simply because it confuses people too ignorant to take the time to determine that words have verifiable meanings. Unless something has been observed, explained, and can be reproduced time and again, I refuse to consider it a fact. That doesn’t mean I don’t believe it. That doesn’t even mean I wouldn’t be willing to risk my life on a conclusion based on a scientific theory. I do it a hundred or more times every day, and I feel perfectly confident in doing so.

“Theory” isn’t a dirty word.