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A theory is an abstract or systematic explanation of some phenomenon or subject matter. It is more substantial than a conjecture or hypothesis, but may not be verified as factual.

A Scientific Theory is a model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena. It originates from, and is supported by experimental evidence (see [[Scientific Method]]).  A Scientific Theory is meant to be a formalized expression of all related accepted scientific evidence up to the point of its creation.  A Scientific Theory must be falsifiable, and thus is treated as fact only for the period in which its truthfulness is not disputed with repeatable observations.

The term theory is often used outside of science, such as in music theory, number theory, or Marxist theory.

Unlike the use of '[[theory]]' in common speech, a Scientific Theory does not represent an unsubstantiated guess, but instead a well-supported and accepted model.  A [[Scientific Hypothesis]] is more closely related to the common usage of '[[theory]]'.  A Scientific Hypothesis typically deals with much more specific sets of phenomena or specific applications of a theory.  Many supported hypotheses go into the development and support of a theory.<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=scientific%20method Merriam-Webster definition of "Scientific method"]</ref>

== Scientific Laws ==

==Scientific Theory==

A widely accepted scientific model which is seems absolute, and has never been disproved by repeatable observations is considered a [[Scientific Law]]. Examples of [[Scientific Law]]s include Boyle's Law, Evolution (change in allele frequency over time), and the conservation laws in classical mechanics.  Laws are typically a single mathematical equation, and provide the foundation for problem solving in the [[Natural Sciences]].

A scientific theory is a model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena. A theory is a plausible or consistent explanation; it becomes scientific when it is subjected to empirical scrutiny. A Scientific Theory must be falsifiable, meaning that there must be some way to do observations that might disprove the theory.

 

A scientific theory does not necessarily have to have strong experimental support or accepted by the scientific community. Scientists often refer to untested theories and competing theories. Theories can be extremely well-confirmed, such as conservation of energy, or wildly speculative, such as [[String Theory]].

 

The [[Theory of Evolution]] includes [[microevolution]] (change in allele frequency over time),

which is well-confirmed, and the idea that there existed a universal common ancestor for all

life on Earth, which remains controversial.