theory has definitions from the field of psychology
1
[ noun ] (psychology) a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a set of phenomena

Examples

"theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses"

Used in print

(Nathan Rapport, ""I've Been Here before!"...)

Dreams that display events of the future with photographic detail call_for a theory explaining their basic mystery and all its components , including that weird feeling of deja_vu , inevitably fantastic though that theory must seem .

Dreams that display events of the future with photographic detail call_for a theory explaining their basic mystery and all its components , including that weird feeling of deja_vu , inevitably fantastic though that theory must seem .

As in the theory of perception , established in psycho-physiology , the eye is recognized as an integral part of the brain .

But then this theory confesses that it is completely at_a_loss as to how the image can possibly be received by the brain .

(Frank Oppenheimer, "Science and Fear-- A Discussion...)

Social invention did not have to await social theory any more than use of the warmth of a fire had to await Lavoisier or the buoyant protection of a boat the formulations of Archimedes .

2
[ noun ] a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena

Examples

"a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory"

Used in print

(Jaroslav Pelikan, The Shape of Death: life, death and...)

It is borne_out also by the absence of any developed theory about how sin passes from one generation to the next .

One night , so some of these theories run , Adam would have fallen_asleep , much_as he fell_asleep for the creation of Eve ; and thus he would have been carried_over into the life_eternal .

The embarrassment of these theories over the naturalness of death is an illustration of the thesis that death cannot be only a punishment , for some termination seems necessary in a life that is lived within the natural_order of time and change .

(Nathan Rapport, ""I've Been Here before!"...)

Modern physics has developed the theory that all matter consists_of minute waves of energy .

This theory makes it possible for any event throughout eternity to be continuously available at any moment to consciousness .

3
[ noun ] a belief that can guide behavior

Examples

"the architect has a theory that more is less" "they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales"

Used in print

(John F. Hayward, "Mimesis and Symbol in the Arts"...)

Accordingly , it is the aim of this essay to advance a new theory of imitation ( which I shall call mimesis in_order to distinguish it from earlier theories of imitation ) and a new theory of invention ( which I shall call symbol for reasons to be stated hereafter ) .

Accordingly , it is the aim of this essay to advance a new theory of imitation ( which I shall call mimesis in_order to distinguish it from earlier theories of imitation ) and a new theory of invention ( which I shall call symbol for reasons to be stated hereafter ) .

Accordingly , it is the aim of this essay to advance a new theory of imitation ( which I shall call mimesis in_order to distinguish it from earlier theories of imitation ) and a new theory of invention ( which I shall call symbol for reasons to be stated hereafter ) .

The central concern of Erich_Auerbach 's impressive volume called Mimesis is to describe the shift from a classic theory of imitation ( based upon a recognition of levels of truth ) to a Christian theory of imitation in which the levels are dissolved .

The central concern of Erich_Auerbach 's impressive volume called Mimesis is to describe the shift from a classic theory of imitation ( based upon a recognition of levels of truth ) to a Christian theory of imitation in which the levels are dissolved .

Related terms

belief patchwork speculate

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