Scientific theory
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.
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.[1]
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 Laws 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.