Difference between revisions of "Scientific theory"
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| − | A theory is a logically self-consistent model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena. It originates from and/or is supported by experimental evidence (see scientific method). In this sense, a theory is a systematic and formalized expression of all previous observations that is predictive, logical and testable. In principle, scientific theories are always tentative, and subject to corrections or inclusion in a yet wider theory. Commonly, a large number of more specific hypotheses may be logically bound together by just one or two theories. As a general rule for use of the term, theories tend to deal with much broader sets of universals than do hypotheses, which ordinarily deal with much more specific sets of phenomena or specific applications of a theory. | + | A theory is a logically self-consistent model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena. It originates from and/or is supported by experimental evidence (see [[scientific method]]). In this sense, a theory is a systematic and formalized expression of all previous observations that is predictive, logical and testable. In principle, scientific theories are always tentative, and subject to corrections or inclusion in a yet wider theory. Commonly, a large number of more specific hypotheses may be logically bound together by just one or two theories. As a general rule for use of the term, theories tend to deal with much broader sets of universals than do hypotheses, which ordinarily deal with much more specific sets of phenomena or specific applications of a theory. |
Over time, and with proof over a universal range, scientific theories can become scientific laws. The Universal Law of Gravitation is one such example. | Over time, and with proof over a universal range, scientific theories can become scientific laws. The Universal Law of Gravitation is one such example. | ||
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| + | It is important to make the distinction between a scientific theory and a common theory. Many will refer to some hypotheses (good examples include [[Young Earth Theory]] and [[Intelligent Design]]) as theories, despite their utter lack of supporting evidence, and then claiming them to be as valid as an evidence-backed scientific theory. | ||
Revision as of 00:37, March 16, 2007
A theory is a logically self-consistent model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena. It originates from and/or is supported by experimental evidence (see scientific method). In this sense, a theory is a systematic and formalized expression of all previous observations that is predictive, logical and testable. In principle, scientific theories are always tentative, and subject to corrections or inclusion in a yet wider theory. Commonly, a large number of more specific hypotheses may be logically bound together by just one or two theories. As a general rule for use of the term, theories tend to deal with much broader sets of universals than do hypotheses, which ordinarily deal with much more specific sets of phenomena or specific applications of a theory.
Over time, and with proof over a universal range, scientific theories can become scientific laws. The Universal Law of Gravitation is one such example.
It is important to make the distinction between a scientific theory and a common theory. Many will refer to some hypotheses (good examples include Young Earth Theory and Intelligent Design) as theories, despite their utter lack of supporting evidence, and then claiming them to be as valid as an evidence-backed scientific theory.