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theories  

Definition

  • Theory, from the Greek word for viewing or contemplation, has played a significant role in the understanding of science since the early 19th century but was not considered central before then. Instead, philosophers and scientists spoke more often of (Natural) Law and of hypothesis, defined by Mill as “any supposition which we make (either without actual evidence, or on evidence avowedly insufficient)in order to endeavor to deduce from it conclusions in accordance with facts which are known to be real.” As philosophical interpretation became more language based and conceptually analytical, however, theory became more important in the analytical tradition of science, and in the Marxist tradition, theory (theoria) was often contrasted with practice (praxis), following Marx in the Theses on Feuerbach. [Source: Encyclopedia of Anthropology; Theories]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/theories

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