[RascalPuff]

Hypothesis & Theory
Webster’s (abbreviated)

Hypothesis:
1. A supposition; a preposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question: something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument.

2. A system or theory imagined or assumed to account for what is not understood.
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Theory:
1. Originally a mental viewing; contemplation.

2. An idea or mental plan of the way to do something.

3. A systematic statement of principles involved; as the theory of equations in mathematics.

4. A formulation of apparent relationships or underlying principles of certain observed phenomena which has been verified to some degree; distinguished from hypothesis.

5. That branch of an art or science consisting of a knowledge of its principles and methods rather than in its practice.; pure as opposed to applied science; etc.

6. Popularly, a mere hypothesis, conjecture or guess; as, ‘my theory is that he never got the letter.’
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Regards,
- RP

[mkirkpatrick]

If I had an original theory I would sit up all night and watch it,and when the dawn came
would broadcast it to the world,then I would wake up and see that I was only dreaming
after all!
Great thread starter RP,cheers.




regards michael.

[Profpat]

Thanks RP;

I was at a science site and they were arguing about the definition of theory. I can see why they had problems, one was using definition #2 saying his idea was the theory, the others was holding him to a stricter standard #4 definition.

But then I guess definition and classification are important tools to our understanding of things.

So here is the problem, according to Websters, an idea can be a theory, and a theory can be a hypothesis, according to #2.

I can see how language can limit our understanding of things.

I agree good post,

Profpat