Meaning: The quote by Stephen Gould addresses a common criticism made by creationist critics against the theory of evolution. Creationists often argue that evolution cannot be tested and, therefore, should not be considered a proper scientific subject. Gould dismisses this claim as "rhetorical nonsense," asserting that it is unfounded and lacks merit.

In order to understand Gould's rebuttal, it is important to first explore the nature of scientific testing and the ways in which evolution has been subjected to empirical scrutiny. In the scientific method, hypotheses are formulated and then tested through observation and experimentation. The results of these tests either support or refute the hypothesis, leading to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Evolution, as a scientific theory, has been extensively tested through multiple lines of evidence from various scientific disciplines. One of the key mechanisms of evolution, natural selection, has been observed and tested in numerous studies, providing empirical support for the process by which species change over time. Fossil records, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and biogeography all provide evidence for the evolutionary history of life on Earth.

Furthermore, the field of evolutionary biology continues to conduct research and experiments to test and refine the theory of evolution. This ongoing scientific inquiry demonstrates that evolution is indeed a subject that can be tested and is, therefore, a legitimate scientific topic.

Gould's assertion that the claim that evolution cannot be tested is "rhetorical nonsense" highlights the fallacious nature of the creationist argument. By categorically dismissing evolution as untestable, creationist critics seek to delegitimize a well-established scientific theory without engaging with the extensive empirical evidence that supports it.

It is important to note that Gould was a prominent paleontologist and evolutionary biologist who contributed significantly to our understanding of evolutionary theory. As such, his statement carries the weight of authority and expertise in the field of evolutionary science.

In conclusion, Stephen Gould's quote provides a succinct and forceful rebuttal to the claim made by creationist critics that evolution cannot be tested and, therefore, should not be considered a scientific subject. By highlighting the extensive empirical evidence and ongoing scientific inquiry that support the theory of evolution, Gould effectively dismisses this criticism as "rhetorical nonsense." Evolution has been and continues to be subjected to rigorous scientific testing, making it a legitimate and robust scientific subject.