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== Meaning ==
== Meaning ==
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.
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.
== Theory vs. Scientific 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 Laws ==
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 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]].