What is a theory?

**SpecialInterests** · 11-09-2009 04:48 AM

There seems to be a discrepancy among the laypersons and scientific view when it comes to defining what a theory is.

Among the laypersons, I think we could generally agree they hold facts as the most revered, and theories below facts. But the thing is, in the scientific community, theories are by far of the most interest, theories are of the highest status explanations one can achieve.

You see, facts are of no importance on their own. A fact doesn't explain anything. We can make the observation that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and we make a hypothesis that the following day the sun should indeed rise in the east again. So of essence, hypothesis are even more important than facts themselves.

When it comes to explaining really big or important phenoma, like evolution, we require a theory. A theory is an entire construct of logic, utilizing many tested hypotheses, which utilize many observed facts.

The people that throw around "evolution is just a theory!!" have it totally backwards. They need to realize the importance of what a theory really is. I hope this might clear that up.

**Maria92** · 11-09-2009 05:38 AM

Thank you for your clear, well-thought-out post.

Like the guy said, ever hear of the theory of gravity? In science, a theory is the highest attainable status something can gain.

**Vampyre** · 11-09-2009 05:15 PM

Exactly. It's a theory, because some things are simply impossible to measure/examine completely. In accordance with the above posts, gravity is a theory. We still don't know exactly what gravity is or what causes it. We can only observe effects that we attribute to gravity, whatever it is.

The thing with evolution, is that it opposes people's personal beliefs. So they look for any reason not to rely on it.

Ultimately, many things that we commonly accept in our lives are only theorized. Evolution, gravity, things that cause cancer, smoking's relevance to health issues... each of these have theories behind them, but they will always remain a theory because it's not a simple 1+2=3 equation. They take years of research to fully understand.