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
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 Theories
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 Theories
Community | Theory | Accepted From | Accepted Until |
---|---|---|---|
Scientonomy | Theory (Barseghyan-2015) | 1 January 2016 | 15 February 2017 |
Scientonomy | Theory (Sebastien-2016) | 15 February 2017 |
Suggested Modifications
Modification | Community | Date Suggested | Summary | Verdict | Verdict Rationale | Date Assessed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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 | 23 January 2017 |
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. | 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 | 15 February 2017 |
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). Theories can consist of thousands of interconnected propositions or, in an extreme, of one single proposition.2
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."
Disjointness
In Scientonomy, no classes are currently accepted as disjoint with 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:
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.
- The stance of compatibility can be taken towards an epistemic element.
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 answers to the question can be summarized as follows:
- An accepted theory remains accepted unless replaced by other theories.
- An element of the mosaic remains 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.
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
- ^ 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.