Scientific theory

A theory is an abstract or systematic explanation of some phenomenon or subject matter. A scientific theory is more substantial than a conjecture or hypothesis, but may not yet be verified as consistent with empirical data. Generally accepted scientific theories have been tested and survived over time, have evolved when appropriate, and modified toward consistency with newly discovered data, have not been shown to be false and can make predictions about natural phenomena.

The term theory is often used outside of science, such as in music theory, number theory, or Marxist theory. These usages and (less rigorous ones) ought not to be confused or interchanged with the scientific usage.

Scientific Theory

A theory is a plausible and consistent explanation for observable phenomena. A scientific theory is a model or framework for describing a related set of natural or social behaviors or observations. A scientific theory must be falsifiable, meaning that there must be some way to do experiments that counter the theory's predictions, thus disproving the current theory.

A scientific theory does not necessarily have to have strong experimental support or accepted by the scientific community.^{[Citation Needed]} Scientists often refer to untested theories and competing theories.^{[Citation Needed]} Theories can be extremely well-confirmed, such as conservation of energy, or speculative, such as String Theory. However some scientists want the name of the idea String Theory to be changed as it does not fit with the scientific meaning of the word.

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.^{[Citation Needed]}