Difference between revisions of "Scientific theory"
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== Theory vs. Scientific Theory == | == Theory vs. Scientific Theory == | ||
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Unlike the use of '[[theory]]' in common speech, a Scientific Theory does not represent an unsubstantiated guess, but instead a well-supported and accepted model. A [[Scientific Hypothesis]] is more closely related to the common usage of '[[theory]]'. A Scientific Hypothesis typically deals with much more specific sets of phenomena or specific applications of a theory. Many supported hypotheses go into the development and support of a theory.<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=scientific%20method Merriam-Webster definition of "Scientific method"]</ref> | Unlike the use of '[[theory]]' in common speech, a Scientific Theory does not represent an unsubstantiated guess, but instead a well-supported and accepted model. A [[Scientific Hypothesis]] is more closely related to the common usage of '[[theory]]'. A Scientific Hypothesis typically deals with much more specific sets of phenomena or specific applications of a theory. Many supported hypotheses go into the development and support of a theory.<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=scientific%20method Merriam-Webster definition of "Scientific method"]</ref> | ||
== Scientific Laws == | == Scientific Laws == | ||
A widely accepted scientific model which is seems absolute, and has never been disproved by repeatable observations is considered a [[Scientific Law]]. Examples of [[Scientific Law]]s include Boyle's Law, Evolution (change in allele frequency over time), and the conservation laws in classical mechanics. Laws are typically a single mathematical equation, and provide the foundation for problem solving in the [[Natural Sciences]]. | A widely accepted scientific model which is seems absolute, and has never been disproved by repeatable observations is considered a [[Scientific Law]]. Examples of [[Scientific Law]]s include Boyle's Law, Evolution (change in allele frequency over time), and the conservation laws in classical mechanics. Laws are typically a single mathematical equation, and provide the foundation for problem solving in the [[Natural Sciences]]. | ||
Revision as of 07:57, March 25, 2007
Meaning
A Scientific Theory is a model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena. It originates from, and is supported by experimental evidence (see Scientific Method). A Scientific Theory is meant to be a formalized expression of all related accepted scientific evidence up to the point of its creation. A Scientific Theory must be falsifiable, and thus is treated as fact only for the period in which its truthfulness is not disputed with repeatable observations.
Theory vs. Scientific Theory
Template:Disputed section Unlike the use of 'theory' in common speech, a Scientific Theory does not represent an unsubstantiated guess, but instead a well-supported and accepted model. A Scientific Hypothesis is more closely related to the common usage of 'theory'. A Scientific Hypothesis typically deals with much more specific sets of phenomena or specific applications of a theory. Many supported hypotheses go into the development and support of a theory.[1]
Scientific Laws
A widely accepted scientific model which is seems absolute, and has never been disproved by repeatable observations is considered a Scientific Law. Examples of Scientific Laws include Boyle's Law, Evolution (change in allele frequency over time), and the conservation laws in classical mechanics. Laws are typically a single mathematical equation, and provide the foundation for problem solving in the Natural Sciences.