What is a Scientific Theory?

Major scientific theories, which we will call core scientific theories, share some common characteristics:

• Explanation: They explain a variety of natural phenomena.
• Evidence: They agree with experiment and observation.
• Logic: They must be internally and externally coherent. Internally coherent means that they must conform to the rules of logic and use their concepts consistently. If speed means one thing on the earth and another thing in the heavens, a theory is not coherent. Externally coherent means that they must be consistent with other major theories that they relate to.
• Breadth: Core scientific theories are generally broad in scope - they explain a variety of things, not just one.
• Fertility: Successful core scientific theories generally lead to other things.

This page draws heavily on a number of authors. In the course readings, these include chapter 1 of my Black Holes book and on the National Science Education Standards (Copy Maven Readings, B1). Philosophers who shape my view of scientific theories are Thomas Kuhn (most importantly), Larry Laudan, and, from the science education end, Rick Duschl. If you are interested in exploring the structure of scientific theories, there are philosophy of science courses offered in the philosophy department.

Harry Shipman

Last updated: November 20, 2000