Theory
What is theory? How should it be defined?
Among the major tasks of scientonomy is to explain transitions from one accepted theory to the next. Thus, it is crucial to have a well-defined notion of theory.
In the scientonomic context, this term was first used by Hakob Barseghyan in 2015. The term is currently accepted by Scientonomy community.
In Scientonomy, the accepted definition of the term is:
- A set of propositions.
Contents
Broader History
Prehistory here
Scientonomic History
The original definition of the term was proposed by Barseghyan in 2015. It defined theory as any set of propositions that attempt to describe something.1 As such, this definition excluded normative propositions. It was eventually replaced by the definition suggested by Sebastien in 2016.
Acceptance Record of the Term
Community | Accepted From | Acceptance Indicators | Still Accepted | Accepted Until | Rejection Indicators |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scientonomy | 1 January 2016 | The term became accepted together with the rest of the original TSC. | Yes |
All Definitions
Theory | Formulation | Formulated In |
---|---|---|
Theory (Barseghyan-2015) | A set of propositions that attempt to describe something. | 2015 |
Theory (Sebastien-2016) | A set of propositions. | 2016 |
Accepted Definitions
Community | Theory | Formulation | Accepted From | Accepted Until |
---|---|---|---|---|
Scientonomy | Theory (Barseghyan-2015) | A set of propositions that attempt to describe something. | 1 January 2016 | 15 February 2017 |
Scientonomy | Theory (Sebastien-2016) | A set of propositions. | 15 February 2017 |
Suggested Modifications
Modification | Community | Date Suggested | Summary | Date Assessed | Verdict | Verdict Rationale |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sciento-2016-0002 | Scientonomy | 3 September 2016 | Accept a new taxonomy for theory, normative theory, descriptive theory to reintroduce normative propositions (such as those of ethics or methodology) to the scientific mosaic. | 23 January 2017 | Not Accepted | Since this modification consisted of two interrelated but essentially distinct suggestions - one definitional and one ontological - it was decided by the community to divide it into two modifications so that the gist of the proposed suggestions is properly articulated. In particular, it was agreed that there are two modifications in "the heart of this single modification - one ontological, the other definitional".c1 It was also agreed that the current formulation "is exclusively definitional, and does not give the community an opportunity to appreciate (and, well, accept) the ontological changes that come along with it".c2 Consequently, it was decided to divide this modification into two modifications - one definitional and one ontological.c3 |
Sciento-2017-0001 | Scientonomy | 23 January 2017 | Accept new definitions for theory, normative theory, and descriptive theory. Also, modify the definition of methodology to reflect these changes. | 15 February 2017 | Accepted | The community agreed that this is "an important addition to theoretical scientonomy".c1 It was agreed that since "the paradox of normative propositions has been solved, a revised set of definitions was needed".c2 It was emphasized that if we're going to have any sort of conversation on the status of normative propositions in the mosaic, "then we need to start from a definition".c3 |
Current Definition
Currently, theory is defined as a set of propositions that attempt to describe or prescribe something. Theories can be descriptive (e.g. natural, social, and formal science) or normative (e.g. methodology, ethics, and axiology)2. They may be empirical or formal. They may have different levels of complexity and elaboration; they may consist of thousands of interconnected propositions or, in an extreme, of one single proposition. Examples include Einstein's theory of general relativity, the standard model in particle physics, or the neo-Darwinian theory of evolution 1
In Scientonomy, the accepted definition of the term is Theory (Sebastien-2016).
Theory (Sebastien-2016) states: "A set of propositions."
Unlike Barseghyan's original definition of theory, this definition is deliberately neutral with respect to the descriptive/prescriptive divide. Thus, it allows for the existence of theories of various types and is not limited to descriptive theories.
Ontology
Existence
In Scientonomy, it is currently accepted that "There is such a thing as a theory."
Subtypes
In Scientonomy, the accepted subtypes of Theory are:
Supertypes
In Scientonomy, the following supertype of Theory is currently accepted:
Associations
In Scientonomy, the following associations of Theory are currently accepted:
- A discipline can have any number of theories. Each theory can be included into any number disciplines.
- A question can presuppose theories.
- A theory is an answer to a question.
Disjointness
In Scientonomy, no classes are currently accepted as disjoint with Theory.
Epistemic Stances Towards Theories
In Scientonomy, the accepted answers to the question can be summarized as follows:
- The stances of theory acceptance, theory pursuit and theory use can be taken towards a theory.
If a question concerning the ontology of a theory is missing, please add it here.
Dynamics
Mechanism of Scientific Inertia for Theories
In Scientonomy, the accepted answer to the question is:
- An accepted theory remains accepted in the mosaic unless replaced by other elements.
Necessary Theories
In Scientonomy, the accepted answer to the question is:
- In order for the process of scientific change to be possible, the mosaic must necessarily contain at least one employed method.
Mechanism of Theory Rejection
In Scientonomy, the accepted answer to the question is:
- A theory becomes rejected when other elements that are incompatible with the theory become part of the mosaic.
If a question concerning the dynamics of a theory is missing, please add it here.
Related Topics
This term is also related to the following topic(s):
References
- a b Barseghyan, Hakob. (2015) The Laws of Scientific Change. Springer.
- ^ Sebastien, Zoe. (2016) The Status of Normative Propositions in the Theory of Scientific Change. Scientonomy 1, 1-9. Retrieved from https://www.scientojournal.com/index.php/scientonomy/article/view/26947.