If evolution was really a scientific fact, why so much uncertainty about their certainty?

Fuzzy Words

We believe, we think
Given enough time, it will happen
Might work
Must have formed
“Those life forms must have evolved in the absence of oxygen,…”
Could possibly have been
My guess is
Seems like

Use of “fuzzy words” demonstrates that evolutionists do not have the evidence to support their claims. Yet, they will then turn around and contradict themselves by making bold statements such as - "evolution is a fact". "We have truck-loads of evidence for evolution". Or similar "GREAT" claims, as though if repeated enough, even in the light of their otherwise "fuzzy statements" and "uncertainties/contradictions", we might just be convinced, intimidated or at least confused.


Half Truth

Half true and half false
Often more effective than the complete lie

Example: The Second Law of Thermodynamics only applies to isolated systems, so it is not relevant to evolution, because the earth is an open system.


Bandwagon

The appeal to “everyone agrees”
Example: All scientists accept evolution
No real scientist accepts creation
To see a list of scientists that believe in a literal 6-day creation go to: www.AnswersInGenesis.org


Glittering Generalities

A broad oversimplification of an explanation
Example: Scientists may disagree about the mechanism of evolution, but all agree that evolution is a fact.
It is simply the best idea we have for our origins (again, an idea, even if you think it best explains it (in your eyes), does not = fact).


Loaded Words

Using emotionally-charged words to influence a reaction
Example: Creationism is a tactic by the “Christian right” to force their religious agenda on our children.
Example: Is it just me, or coincidentally are all creationists Christians?


Association

Associating something you want to criticize with something people dislike
Example: Associating creation in the same sentence with astrology or known myths. Cloaked ridicule by deliberate silly association.



Circumstantial Evidence

Assuming physical evidences are related
Example: We are here therefore we must have evolved (this is often the best evidence used to support evolution)
Example: Fossil horses arranged into an evolutionary sequence


Either-Or Fallacy

Presenting only one possible solution when others are justified
Example: If we teach creation then we will have to teach every other creation myth


Analogy

Improperly drawing parallels while ignoring pertinent differences
Example: Evolution is a fact like digestion or gravity


Authority

Relying on authority rather than logic and evidence
Example: Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution”
Example: Citing one scholar who claims the days of Genesis could have been long ages


Extrapolation

Assuming a trend beyond what the data permits
Example: Radioactive dating methods prove the earth is 4.6 billion years old
Example: Mutations are the mechanism for evolution


Best-in-Field Fallacy

An appeal to overlook discrepancies in a theory
Example: We don’t have all the answers, but evolution is the best model we have.


Shifting the Burden of Proof

Forgetting that it is your responsibility to prove a claim, not your opponents to disprove it
Example: Claiming that creation has no proof and therefore should not be taught, when evolution has never been proven or is even capable of proof.


Ad Hominem

Attacking the person instead of the argument

Example: Asserting that creationists are ultra-conservative, do not have real degrees, etc

Example: Accusing creationists of quoting out of context when they did not.

Example: Putting words in the mouth of the opponent, or making baseless, exaggerated accusations.

Example: Constant criticism about the critique of the debator's debating methods.


Equivocation

Confusing the issue by using vague terms or changing the definitions of words
Example: Changing the definition of science to support only evolution
Example: Not clearly defining terms such as natural selection or macroevolution


Card Stacking

Listing all the points in your favor while ignoring the serious points against it
Example: Pouncing on one item by your opponent but ignoring the major points of his/her argument
Example: Trying to prove evolution using finch beaks or antibiotic resistant bacteria but ignoring all the problems


Bluffing

Appearing to know more than you do
Example: Making the claim that the fossil record is full of transitional fossils
Example: Dinosaurs evolved into birds
Example: Taking refuge in complexity/intellectualism as a smoke-screen and means to either intimidate or confuse.


Appeasement

The appeal that we're not really so different

Example: Most religions don’t have a problem with evolution
Example: I don't see why religion can't reconcile with evolution, the two can exist side by side.


Visualization

Using imagery to mislead or to substitute for evidence
Example: The evolutionary tree of life
Example: The geologic column
Example: Reconstruction of alleged “apemen”