Sometimes I feel a little mad
But don't you know that no one alive can always be an angel
When things go wrong I feel real bad.
I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
The Animals, Lyrics and ringtone here
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| SCIPP Theory Group |
While there are many similar scientific definitions of "theory," they are all something like the following. One definition of a scientific theory is, "a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena" (Dictionary.com). Another scientific definition is, "A systematically organized body of knowledge applicable in a relatively wide variety of circumstances, especially a system of assumptions, accepted principles, and rules of procedure devised to analyze, predict, or otherwise explain the nature or behavior of a specified set of phenomena" (American Heritage Dictionary). An example is Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Other examples are Classical Mechanics Theory and Quantum Mechanics Theory. Each of these has been tested countless times and used to successfully explain and predict a vast array of physical phenomena.
Scientific knowledge increases. New things are discovered and understood. But the science that was correct and worked prior to new discoveries is still correct and works in the sphere in which it is applicable.
The scientific meaning of theory is in sharp contrast to the commonly used non-scientific term. In the non-scientific context, theory is used to mean "an untested idea or opinion." Notice that this is essentially the exact opposite of the scientific meaning of the word. When someone says he "doesn't believe in the Theory of Evolution," he is saying that he doesn't believe in the "untested idea or opinion" that is the Theory of Evolution. Or perhaps someone says that the idea that green house gases are contributors to global warming and climate change is "only a theory." This statement is meant to imply the science behind our understanding of the causes of global warming is based on "untested ideas or just opinion."
Scientific knowledge increases. New things are discovered and understood. But the science that was correct and worked prior to new discoveries is still correct and works in the sphere in which it is applicable.
The scientific meaning of theory is in sharp contrast to the commonly used non-scientific term. In the non-scientific context, theory is used to mean "an untested idea or opinion." Notice that this is essentially the exact opposite of the scientific meaning of the word. When someone says he "doesn't believe in the Theory of Evolution," he is saying that he doesn't believe in the "untested idea or opinion" that is the Theory of Evolution. Or perhaps someone says that the idea that green house gases are contributors to global warming and climate change is "only a theory." This statement is meant to imply the science behind our understanding of the causes of global warming is based on "untested ideas or just opinion."
Huffington Post Science: Michael D. Fayer: Theory -- A Word That Gets No Respect
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