Definition of Scientific Theory

Human beings need to understand their surroundings and at the same time seek solutions to the problems that arise. To do this, create explanations that are convincing and that serve to face challenges of all kinds. There are many possible explanations of reality (spiritual forces, mythological visions or the acceptance of an idea as valid because it appears to be satisfactory). However, the currently most widely accepted explanation is the scientific one, which is presented through a scientific theory.

A scientific theory is a set of laws, facts and hypothesis that constitute a complete vision on an aspect of the reality. The theory of evolution, from relativity or theory mobile They are examples of conceptions of a scientific nature that are considered as a theory.

A scientific theory allows to explain a series of phenomena in an objective way, subsequently the phenomena must be understood in all their dimensions and, finally, the explanation and the understanding allow making predictions.

Relevant aspects in relation to the concept of scientific theory

The scientific method It becomes the way by which a researcher presents an explanation of some facts. At present the most accepted method in most sciences is the hypothetico-deductive. All scientific theory involves the use of a method of investigation.

Scientific theory is basically explanatory, but it must be borne in mind that there are different forms of explanation: the deductive type, the one based on the probability, the functional explanation or the one that is based on the origin of something, its genesis (each science is inclined towards one type of explanation or another).

- The technical and methodological requirements of scientific theories are useful to define what is science and what is not. Do not forget that some theories are presented as scientific but do not meet the conditions to be so (they are pseudoscientific theories).

- The concept of scientific theory is associated with the infallibility of the scientific method, permanent progress and the objectivity of science. This image is questioned by some thinkers, who remember that throughout history scientific theories have been succeeding and, consequently, their claim to truth was limited to a specific time (if current theories deny previous ones, It is logical think that theories of the future will also be opposed to those of the present).

To illustrate this idea we can recall a historical case of great importance: the heliocentric theory about the universe replaced the geocentric theory and the change of one model to another was very slow and conflicting (for a long period of time the two theories were rival positions until the heliocentric vision was imposed as new paradigm).

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