What is a Theory?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
The word “theory” means a number of different things, depending on the context. In the maths and sciences, for example, it is a tested and testable concept that is used to explain an occurrence. For students of the arts, the term refers to the non-practical aspect of their work, while laypeople refer to unproven ideas and speculation as theories. The multitude of meanings for this word can get confusing, but the intent is usually clear from the context; a mathematical paper talking about a theory, for example, is probably referring to it in the scientific sense.
In English, the word dates back to 1592, when it was used to mean a concept or scheme. By the 1630s, scientists had co-opted the term, using it to describe an explanation or thought that was based on observation and testing. “To theorize” also emerged at around the same time.
In the sciences, theories are created after observation and testing. They are designed to rationally and clearly explain a phenomenon. For example, Isaac Newton came up with a theory about gravity in the 17th century, and it proved to be both testable and correct. Scientific theories are not quite the same thing as facts, but they are often very similar; scientists usually test their theories extensively before airing them, looking for obvious problems which could cause them to be challenged.
In mathematics, theories are bodies of knowledge about specific types of mathematics. Mathematicians use things like set theory in the course of their work. Theoretical mathematics can get quite complex and abstract, making it sometimes difficult for laypeople to understand, but it helps to explain everything from the movement of crowds to the origins of the universe.
In the arts, many artists refer to their non-practical work as theoretical. For example, a musician who plays the tuba would use the term to refer to the study of music history, the math of music, and other related material. Art criticism is also a field of theory, since critics discuss artwork, rather than actively producing it, and through their discussions, they contribute to the overall field.
For laypeople, a theory is simply an idea. Some people use the word like they would “hypothesis,” positing an idea that needs to be tested. At other times, an idea may be dismissed as “just a theory,” with the implication that it cannot be proven and it is only a rough idea, not a firm fact or opinion.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
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![Charles Darwin is credited for developing a persuasive argument for the theory of evolution.]()
By: nickolaeCharles Darwin is credited for developing a persuasive argument for the theory of evolution. -
![Isaac Newton's theory of gravity was tested and proven to be correct.]()
By: Georgios KollidasIsaac Newton's theory of gravity was tested and proven to be correct.
Discussion Comments
A theory is a plan or scheme existing in the mind only, but based on principles verifiable by experiment or observation.
A theory involves many thing. A theory is a group of ideas that explains, describes or supports a hypothesis until it is accepted by gurus. One can also describe a theory as a point of view that has been supported with a series of explanations to prove others' ideas. Theory and perspectives are two sides of the same coin, as I view them.
What is a measurement in math?
A theory is the result of a hypothesis being supported by research over and over again until it becomes accepted. Therefore, theory is strong in science.
I hate that the word theory also means "beliefs" for the general people, thus creating confusion.
What is the relevance of this in my course, which is journalism?
@anon239872: Theory, in layman's usage, is equivalent to a hypothesis, while a theory used in science is something that has been proven through observation of evidence, and rigorous testing by various scientists. Basically a scientific theory, like evolution, has graduated with a master's degree from an hypothesis.
@anon118590: Just because we weren't there does not mean we cannot test a claim, and we test a claim through evidence. The fossil records and DNA analysis gave evidence for common ancestry. Furthermore, we observed and tested evolution through dogs, which started out as wolves thousands of years ago and were domesticated by humans. In Russia, there was an experiment that showed wolves looking like domesticated dogs after four or so generations in captivity. We also observe this fact through microorganisms, which evolve to become more resistant to drugs.
Does theory mean hypothesis?
Hmm. I have a theory, that this theory is a theory. Personally, I didn't really know that this word, "theory" had so many different meanings.
Like, I love to do crafty things like Scrapbooking and molding and things like that. But I never knew that the word theory is also use in art. Hmm, Learn something new every day.
anon161747 - Re Child Labour. Have a look at Grounded Theory.
Lets break down what theory means. Theory basically means to have an idea. Example: She believes there could be other living beings in space.
i am doing a masters thesis and my topic is child labor as seen by children. it's quantitative research but i really don't know which theory i have to apply on this study? anyone have idea about that? Thanks.
what is the relevance of theory in sociology?
What is the essence of the theory of sivashanmugam?
Please tell us how evolution was "observed and tested". We didn't observe it and definitely, we can't test it. what is the proof of the test and who tested it?
A metatheory is a theory whose subject matter is some other theory. In other words it is a theory about a theory.
this is a great website! i hope there would be add-ons for literature too!
What is the measurement in math?
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