Theory

Article summary

's Notebooks on Transmutation of Species (1837), arguably the first example of a phylogenetic tree. (1) represents a common ancestor, the barred branches represent extant descendants, and the unmarked branches represent extinct descendants. A theory is, in general, a set of propositions or ideas about something, developed in a variety of ways through any sort of reasoning. This includes informal folk psychological theories of why someone behaves the way they do, scientific theories that attempt to explain some phenomenon, philosophical theories (for example of politics or the nature of reality), and a range of other uses. Not all theories are equal and they may, for example, be compared in terms of how well they explain a phenomenon and the strength of evidence for and against them. When applied to intellectual or academic situations, it is considered a systematic and rational form of abstract thinking about a phenomenon, or the conclusions derived from such thinking. It involves contemplative and logical reasoning, often supported by processes such as observation, experimentation, and research. Theories can be scientific, falling within the realm of empirical and testable knowledge, or they may belong to non-scientific disciplines, such as art or philosophy. In some cases, theories may exist independently of any formal discipline.…

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Discussion questions

1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
2. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

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