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Line 3: − It is more substantial than a conjecture or [[hypothesis]], but may not be verified as consistent with [[empirical]] data. <ref>For example, scientists may refer to phlogiston theory or ether theory, even though empirical verification was lacking.</ref> Controversially, some scientists have declared that causes other than natural, observable ones should not be examined - and that theories involving such causes are "not scientific", e.g., [[behavioral psychology]]. This limitation and its implications for the [[philosophy of science]] plays a large role in the [[origins debate]]. + + + + + + Line 12:
Line 17: − A successful theory is most consistent with the actual behavior of the universe. When a phenomenon is discovered that is inconsistent with the prevailing theory, the theory is either revised or thrown out entirely. An example of this is [[Newtonian mechanics]]--while Newton's 3 laws of motion provide extremely accurate descriptions/predictions of the behavior of medium-sized objects at low speeds, they are inconsistent with the behavior of very large, very fast, or very small objects. Newtonian mechanics has been shown to be a limiting case of the [[theory of relativity]] (in the limit where velocity goes to 0) and [[quantum mechanics]] (in the limit where [[Planck's constant]] goes to 0, essentially the limit of large objects). Usually a theory which is inconsistent with some experimental evidence is not completely falsified; it is instead shown to be a simplified version of a more complete theory. − − In contrast to scientific consensus, science philosopher [[Karl Popper]] asserted that the [[theory of evolution]] could be considered a metaphysical research program depending on the definition being used. <ref>The science philosopher Karl Popper famously called Darwinian evolution a "metaphysical research program".</ref> Line 29:
Line 31: − + + + + + − Gravitational Theory - the explanation (which is yet unfinished, as scientists attempt to find the elusive Higgs Boson) for why matter attracts other matter. <ref>[http://users.ameritech.net/dennisreynolds1/GravitationalTheory.html] </ref>+ − Atomic Theory - the current understanding of the basic makeup of living and nonliving things. <ref> [http://library.thinkquest.org/27948/bohr.html] </ref> Line 39:
Line 44: − − ==External links==
Organized stuff into new section
For example, doctors have long known that being near a person who has a communicable disease exposes you to a risk of catching it (see [[quarantine]]). It was a "law" of [[contagion]] that staying far away protected you from catching the disease, even before Pasteur's [[germ theory of disease]] provided the modern scientific explanation (the "theory").
For example, doctors have long known that being near a person who has a communicable disease exposes you to a risk of catching it (see [[quarantine]]). It was a "law" of [[contagion]] that staying far away protected you from catching the disease, even before Pasteur's [[germ theory of disease]] provided the modern scientific explanation (the "theory").
A successful theory is most consistent with the actual behavior of the universe. When a phenomenon is discovered that is inconsistent with the prevailing theory, the theory is either revised or thrown out entirely. An example of this is [[Newtonian mechanics]]--while Newton's 3 laws of motion provide extremely accurate descriptions/predictions of the behavior of medium-sized objects at low speeds, they are inconsistent with the behavior of very large, very fast, or very small objects. Newtonian mechanics has been shown to be a limiting case of the [[theory of relativity]] (in the limit where velocity goes to 0) and [[quantum mechanics]] (in the limit where [[Planck's constant]] goes to 0, essentially the limit of large objects). Usually a theory which is inconsistent with some experimental evidence is not completely falsified; it is instead shown to be a simplified version of a more complete theory.
==Scientific usage==
A theory is more substantial than a conjecture or [[hypothesis]], but may not be verified as consistent with [[empirical]] data. <ref>For example, scientists may refer to phlogiston theory or ether theory, even though empirical verification was lacking.</ref> Controversially, some scientists have declared that causes other than natural, observable ones should not be examined - and that theories involving such causes are "not scientific", e.g., [[behavioral psychology]]. This limitation and its implications for the [[philosophy of science]] plays a large role in the [[origins debate]].
For many philosophers of science, a theory must be ''[[falsifiable]]'' to be considered [[science|scientific]].
For many philosophers of science, a theory must be ''[[falsifiable]]'' to be considered [[science|scientific]].
A scientific theory should have to have strong experimental support or accepted by the scientific community. However, some scientists mistakenly refer to untested theories and competing theories. Theories are generally extremely well-confirmed, such as conservation of energy. Some more speculative 'theories' are more accurately labelled 'hypothesis' within the scientific community, such as String Theory.
A scientific theory should have to have strong experimental support or accepted by the scientific community. However, some scientists mistakenly refer to untested theories and competing theories. Theories are generally extremely well-confirmed, such as conservation of energy. Some more speculative 'theories' are more accurately labelled 'hypothesis' within the scientific community, such as String Theory.
== Common usage ==
== Common usage ==
==Common scientific theories==
==Common scientific theories==
Cell Theory - how our bodies are made up of cells. <ref>[http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/theory.html]</ref>
* Cell Theory - how our bodies are made up of cells. <ref>[http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/theory.html]</ref>
* Gravitational Theory - the explanation (which is yet unfinished, as scientists attempt to find the elusive Higgs Boson) for why matter attracts other matter. <ref>[http://users.ameritech.net/dennisreynolds1/GravitationalTheory.html] </ref>
* Atomic Theory - the current understanding of the basic makeup of living and nonliving things. <ref> [http://library.thinkquest.org/27948/bohr.html] </ref>
* Possibly the [[Theory of Evolution]]. While this is the most popular term for it, science philosopher [[Karl Popper]] asserted that it could be considered a metaphysical research program depending on the definition being used, <ref>The science philosopher Karl Popper famously called Darwinian evolution a "metaphysical research program".</ref> and other science philosophers have called it a scientific law.
== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Computing]]
*[[Computing]]
*[[Evolution and science]]
*[[Evolution and science]]
*[http://wilstar.com/theories.htm Scientific Laws, Hypotheses, and Theories - The Scientific Method]
*[http://wilstar.com/theories.htm Scientific Laws, Hypotheses, and Theories - The Scientific Method]