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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 be verified as consistent with empirical data. <ref>For example, scientists referred to phlogiston theory or ether theory, even though empirical verification was lacking, and are now discounted.</ref>  

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 might not yet be well verified as consistent with empirical data. <ref>For example, scientists referred to phlogiston theory or ether theory, even though empirical verification was lacking, and both are now discounted.</ref>  

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

The term theory is often used outside of science, such as in music theory, number theory, or Marxist theory. It is wise to keep such meanings separate from meanings used in science.

==Scientific Theory==

==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. 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. <ref>http://www.thefreedictionary.com/theory </ref>

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. 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. <ref>http://www.thefreedictionary.com/theory </ref>

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 speculative, such as [[String Theory]].

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

== Common usage ==  

== Common usage ==