Theory - Misplaced Pages

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In science, a theory is a model of reality, used for rationalizing, explaining, predicting, and mastering physical phenomena. There is a major difference between the use of the term by scientists and by the general public. In general use, the term theory implies that something is not backed by observation, while in the scientific usage, there is no such implication. In science a supposition which is not backed by observation is known as a conjecture, and if backed by some observation it is called an hypothesis. In mathematics, a theory is a set of statements closed under logical implication.

A theory is different than a theorem. The former is a model of physical events and cannot be proved from basic axioms. The latter is a statement of mathematical fact which logically follows from a set of axioms. A theory is also different from a physical law in that the former is a model of reality whereas the latter is a statement of what has been observed.

The word theoretical is derived from theory, and is used to describe that which has not yet been observed. For example, until recently, black holes were theoretical constructs.

In science, theories can become accepted if they are able to make correct predictions and avoid making incorrect ones. Also, theories which are simplier and more mathematically elegant tend to be accepted over theories which make similar predictions but which are more complex. Theories are also more likely to be accepted if they connect a wide range of phenonomena. The process of accepting theories is part of the scientific method.

Further explanation of a scientific theory

In common lingo a theory is little more than a guess or a hypothesis. But in science, a theory is much more than that. A theory is an established paradigm that explains all of the data we have and offers valid predictions that can be tested. In science, a theory can never be proven true, because we can never assume we know all there is to know. Instead, theories remain standing until they are disproven, at which point they are thrown out altogether or modified slightly.

Some examples of current scientific theories are gravity, quantum mechanics, and evolution. Some other theories that have been disproved are those such as Lamarckism and the geocentric universe theory. Sufficient evidence has risen to declare these theories false.

So, the next time you hear someone arguing with you about evolution, saying, "Well, it's just a theory," remind them, that in science, theories are equivalent to truth. Scientists aren't just guessing that gravity or evolution are true. They are the best theories we have for explaining the millions of data all around us.

A good example of a non-scientific theory is Intelligent Design. Creationists are using it as a wedge to try to get alternative teaching put into schools and such, but the truth is that Creationism is not a theory at all. By saying "Goddidit" as an explanation for every natural phenomenon, we are not predicting anything, and so the theory is useless. We wouldn't have built computers by now if Benjamin Franklin had said two hundred years ago, "God makes electricity, and that is that", instead of actually figuring out the naturalistic explanation.