Changes

==Scientific usage==

==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]].  

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, which originally sounded plausible even though empirical verification was lacking. As a result, these theories are no longer accepted by scientists.</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]].