Theory and its synonyms...

[Externet]

Hi.

The synonyms of theory shown here ----> http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/theory smell like theories are somewhat distant from facts.

 

With so many followers of the theory of relativity being a sure factual proven thing; why is it still called 'theory' ?

----> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity

[Acme]

Hi.

The synonyms of theory shown here ----> http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/theory smell like theories are somewhat distant from facts.

 

With so many followers of the theory of relativity being a sure factual proven thing; why is it still called 'theory' ?

----> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity

Your thesaurus link is a dead-end. Anyway, what is called for is a dictionary. Of these listed definitions, science applies the first three and the rest constitute non-scientific definitions/applications of the word.

 

Dictionary: theory

1. A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.

 

2. The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory.

 

3. A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics.

 

4. Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory.

 

5. A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime.

 

6. An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.

[pavelcherepan]

Hi.

The synonyms of theory shown here ----> http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/theory smell like theories are somewhat distant from facts.

 

With so many followers of the theory of relativity being a sure factual proven thing; why is it still called 'theory' ?

----> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity

In science a theory is the highest level of approval any idea can get to. And also there can be no theories that can be treated as "factual proven thing" because that means that it can't possibly be falsified and is not a science as a result.

[timo]

Everything you ever wanted to know about the term "theory" and more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory .

[Robittybob1]

Hi.

The synonyms of theory shown here ----> http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/theory smell like theories are somewhat distant from facts.

 

With so many followers of the theory of relativity being a sure factual proven thing; why is it still called 'theory' ?

----> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity

http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/theory why did your link say that you'd spelt Theory wrong? Weird!

Edited April 12, 2015 by Robittybob1

[michel123456]

http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/theory why did your link say that you'd spelt Theory wrong? Weird!

It looks like the 3 blank spaces at the end of the link do matter.

[ajb]

In physics a theory is really synonymous with mathematical model. Einsteinian relativity is a mathematical model of nature, and one that agrees well with nature.

[studiot]

 

pavelcherepan

In science a theory is the highest level of approval any idea can get to

 

Not convinced.

 

What about a 'Principle' ?

 

There is also the issue of whether the word theory is singular or plural or a collective noun or what.

 

A single idea is presented as a theorem.

 

A theory generally links more than one idea and/or observation.

A theory may contain several theorems.

Some reserve/use the word Theory to mean a comprehensive exposition or treatise on a particular subject, not just part of it.

 

Then there is the issue of if you allow that Mathematics is part of Science.

 

If so you must also allow the mathematical definitions including lemma = lesser/minor theoreom, hypothesis, proposition, axiom and so forth.

 

 

Chanting a catechism about a particularly narrow view of the word is for the baying hounds, not the thinking cognoscenti.

[pavelcherepan]

 

Not convinced.

 

What about a 'Principle' ?

 

Principle? In my understanding it's just another name for a theory. For example, "Archimedes' principle", "momentum conservation principle", "relativity principle" - are all either theories in themselves or a part of some theory. What is the difference between principle and theory for you? Maybe I'm not getting something.

 

As far as I'm concerned scientific method goes like this:

 

Observation -> Idea -> Hypothesis -> Theory ..... -> Updated theory

 

 

A single idea is presented as a theorem.

 

Are you referring to a theorem in a mathematical sense here? Don't you think that idea can be presented without mathematical apparatus to support it?

 

 

If so you must also allow the mathematical definitions including lemma = lesser/minor theoreom, hypothesis, proposition, axiom and so forth.

 

I don't think I'm entirely cool with the concept of axioms in science (bar mathematics, of course).

Edited April 12, 2015 by pavelcherepan

[studiot]

Hi, pavel.

 

 

Principle? In my understanding it's just another name for a theory. For example, "Archimedes' principle",

 

A good example to illustrate exactly what I mean. Let us take Archimedes' Principle.

 

This is a single idea and it leads to the 'Theory of Floating Bodies' which is much broader in scope.

 

Other examples might be the famous treatise 'The Theory of Sound', which embodies many Principles.

 

Or The Theory of Flight or, my favourite

 

The Theory of Bending, which embodies, amongst others, the principle that plane sections remain plane, but is an elegant self contained useful logical construct that enables many highly desireable everyday calculations to be made throughout the world.

It also demonstrates another important characteristic of a Theory. There is nothing to say a Theory need be unique and exclusive. (some are some are not). But there are are other methods available to make the bending calculations with the same results.

[pavelcherepan]

Hi, pavel.

 

 

A good example to illustrate exactly what I mean. Let us take Archimedes' Principle.

 

This is a single idea and it leads to the 'Theory of Floating Bodies' which is much broader in scope.

 

Other examples might be the famous treatise 'The Theory of Sound', which embodies many Principles.

 

Or The Theory of Flight or, my favourite

 

The Theory of Bending, which embodies, amongst others, the principle that plane sections remain plane, but is an elegant self contained useful logical construct that enables many highly desireable everyday calculations to be made throughout the world.

It also demonstrates another important characteristic of a Theory. There is nothing to say a Theory need be unique and exclusive. (some are some are not). But there are are other methods available to make the bending calculations with the same results.

 

studiot,

 

Thanks for that but if you'd be so kind and explain the difference between our positions. You say that theory can describe an entire subject and I agree with that, you say that theory can describe a small set of empirical data and I agree with that too. With that in mind I fail to see an argument

 

Also I still can't see how my original definition is incorrect. Maybe I missed something in which case I apologize.

[studiot]

 

pavelcherepan

Also I still can't see how my original definition is incorrect

 

Nor could I. Incomplete would be a better word.

I am simply trying to widen horizons, not just necessarily yours.