Scientific theory
hideIn the sciences generally, a scientific theory (the same as an empirical theory) is constructed from elementary theorems that consist in empirical data about observable phenomena. A scientific theory is used as a plausible general principle or body of principles offered to explain a phenomenon.
A scientific theory is a deductive theory, in that, its content is based on some formal system of logic and that some of its elementary theorems are taken as axioms. In a deductive theory, any sentence which is a logical consequence of one or more of the axioms is also a sentence of that theory.
A major concern in construction of scientific theories is the problem of demarcation, i.e., distinguishing those ideas that are properly studied by the sciences and those that are not.
Theories whose subject matter consists not in empirical data, but rather in ideas are in the realm of philosophical theories as contrasted with scientific theories. At least some of the elementary theorems of a philosophical theory are statements whose truth cannot necessarily be scientifically tested through empirical observation.
Theories are intended to be an accurate, predictive description of the natural world. However, it is sometimes not clear whether the conclusions derived from the theory inform us about the nature of the world, or the nature of the theory.
For more information about Scientific theory, read the full article at
Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.
News tagged with scientific theory
Sex Talk Revelations of the Lonely Y Chromosome
Sep 09, 2009 |
4.3 / 5 (3) |
3
(PhysOrg.com) -- In the week that the University of Leicester celebrates the 25th anniversary of the discovery of DNA fingerprinting (Thursday September 10) new findings from the world-renowned University of Leicester Department ...
Why policy changes during Obama presidency will be more significant than during Clinton, Reagan eras
Other Sciences / Social Sciences
May 06, 2009 |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
Unlike the post-election disappointment that has followed many election outcomes, the Obama presidency will likely break through a structural bias in American politics favoring the status quo and bring about significant changes ...
Texas education board approves science standards (Update)
Mar 27, 2009 |
4.1 / 5 (15) |
31
(AP) -- Texas will no longer require educators to teach weaknesses of all scientific theories, including evolution.
Texas board hears testimony on science standards
Mar 26, 2009 |
5 / 5 (2) |
0
(AP) -- Tensions over the teaching of evolution are simmering as the State Board of Education begins the final stretch in the process of adopting new classroom science curriculum standards.
Search results for scientific theory
Researcher studies the universe through quantum electrodynamics
Dec 17, 2009 |
3.7 / 5 (6) |
0
(PhysOrg.com) -- Fundamental constants, such as the standards for length and mass, are a given in our society. However, research has shown that these constants might be changing slightly with the expansion of the universe.
More effort needed to crack down on 'secret remedies'
Dec 17, 2009 |
3.4 / 5 (5) |
4
The medical establishment and politicians must do more to crack down on alternative medicine, argues a senior scientist on BMJ.com today.
Soap opera in the marsh: Coots foil nest invaders, reject impostors
Dec 16, 2009 |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
(PhysOrg.com) -- The American coot is a drab, seemingly unremarkable marsh bird common throughout North America. But its reproductive life is full of deception and violence.
Miracle light: Can lasers solve the energy crisis?
Dec 15, 2009 |
4.3 / 5 (12) |
4
Next year will mark the 50th birthday of the laser, one of the most productive and widely used mega-inventions of the last century. Scientists hope that 2010 also will see the launch of laser technology's greatest challenge: ...
Rice physicists find reappearing quantum trios
Dec 11, 2009 |
4.8 / 5 (43) |
8
Using atoms at temperatures colder than deep space, Rice University physicists have delivered overwhelming proof for a once-scoffed-at theory that's become a hotbed for research some 40 years after it first ...
Charles Darwin: More than the origin
Dec 09, 2009 |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
Although Charles Darwin is most well-known for his book On the Origin of Species, in which he described the process of natural selection, he greatly contributed to many specific fields within biology. As ...
New giant virus discovered
Dec 09, 2009 |
4.3 / 5 (18) |
8
Scientists in France have isolated a new giant virus that lurks inside amoeba and whose gene pool includes genetic material from other species.
Does weak equivalence break down at the quantum level?
Dec 08, 2009 |
4.5 / 5 (26) |
18
(PhysOrg.com) -- One of the givens in physics is the weak equivalence principle. This principle has been considered solid since Einstein proposed that it is not possible to detect the difference between uniform acceleration ...
Cosmic rays hunted down: Physicists are closing in on the origin of cosmic rays
Dec 07, 2009 |
4.4 / 5 (11) |
4
(PhysOrg.com) -- A thin rain of charged particles continually bombards our atmosphere from outer space. The mysterious particles were first detected 100 years ago but until 10 years ago when a new type of ...
Scientists take theoretical research on 'nasty' molecule to next level
Dec 04, 2009 |
4.4 / 5 (12) |
3
(PhysOrg.com) -- Some atoms don't always follow the rules. Take the beryllium dimer, a seemingly simple molecule made up of two atoms that University of Delaware physicists Krzysztof Szalewicz and Konrad Patkowski ...
List of search results for scientific theory
