• What is a scientific theory?
• Characteristics of a scientific theory
• Scientific knowledge
• Differences between hypothesis, law and scientific theory
• Examples of scientific theories

We explain what a scientific theory is and its characteristics. Also, differences between law, hypothesis and scientific theory.

Theories such as the Big Bang allow us to explain phenomena of reality.

What is a scientific theory?

A scientific theory is a body of concepts, abstractions and rules obtained from the observation Y experimentation with the reality empirical. It formulates the principles from which the phenomena of reality can be explained.

In simpler terms, it is about the explanations formulated from the scientific knowledge through which a certain set of observations and concepts obtained in a way can be organized empirical, objective and verifiable. This concept should not be confused with that of scientific law, much less with that of hypothesis scientific

Scientific theories are the main foundation of scientific knowledge. Contrary to what their name suggests, they are not mere speculations or assumptions, but are supported and verified explanations, which improve as the age passes. weather and the phenomenon they describe is better understood.

Therefore, scientific theories represent the culmination of scientific thought, that is, the way of knowledge more rigorous, reliable and complete that allows the science.

Scientific theories are classified into two types:

• Phenomenological theories. Those that attempt to describe phenomena of nature, to establish quantifiable laws according to their behaviors. They are based on direct observation and data collection without "contaminating" the study of assumptions of a metaphysical, essentialist or the researcher's will.
• Representative theories. Those that try to find the essence of the studied phenomena, that is, that which bases their laws and their nature, going to the "bottom" and the why of things.

Characteristics of a scientific theory

Scientific theories have the following characteristics:

• They are systematic explanations, that is, a system of postulates and premises from which empirical laws, that is, theorems, can be deduced. This can also be understood as a deductive ordering of laws and axioms, which have a relationship to each other logic and verifiable.
• They can have a logical and abstract form, endowed with axioms, rules and deductions, or they can consist of definitions. Rarely, however, are they usually formulated in such a structured and organized way.
• These are mental or imaginary constructions, but not assumptions or inventions, but are strongly supported by observation, experimental replication and empirical verification.
• They have nothing to do with subjective evaluations, aesthetic positions or with the will of the researchers itself, but are guided by objectivity and scientific method.
• They tend to be updated over time, as scientific knowledge is perfected and new instruments are invented.

Scientific knowledge

Scientific theories are based on multiple evidences and reasoning.

Scientific knowledge is that which is obtained through the application of the scientific method, that is, from the compilation of verifiable facts and supported by evidence, collected by the different scientific theories.

It is an organized, verifiable, objective and empirical knowledge, that is, it does not take into account the subjectivities of the person. Your ideas can be tested, judged and reproduced, always yielding the same results and always reaching the same results. conclusions.

Thus, scientific theories, which are organized and deductively complete sets of scientific propositions, are the ultimate form of scientific knowledge.

Differences between hypothesis, law and scientific theory

These three terms are often used interchangeably, even though they represent different times and different stages of scientific knowledge. It is therefore convenient to define each one separately to understand their differences.

• Scientific hypotheses. Suppose that an unexpected phenomenon occurs, and that scientists, drawing to their understanding of the known laws of nature, are quick to propose reasons why and how this phenomenon occurs. These assumptions are obviously rational and informed, and constitute scientific hypotheses. Some will be true, some will not, and this will be defined through experimentation.
• Scientific laws. Continuing with the previous example, we know that scientists will try to describe how the unexpected phenomenon occurs, measure it, examine it, obtain information empirical evidence of him, in order to understand him better. Said observations, verifiable, objective, subsequently reproduced in laboratories and expressed in a language appropriate (for example, mathematically, that is, through formulas), they will constitute a law: something that always happens, in a measurable, verifiable, reproducible way.
• Scientific theories. The final step of our example will be taken by scientists who, by studying the laws that describe the unexpected phenomenon, will be able to approach a conceptual, systematic and deductive model of the reason for the unexpected phenomenon. They will put in relation what is described by the laws, the concepts that they entail, to finally find a satisfactory and general explanation for the unexpected phenomenon, which will become part of accepted scientific knowledge.

Examples of scientific theories

The atomic theory explains that all matter is made up of atoms.

Some examples of scientific theories are as follows:

• Heliocentric theory. Also known as the Copernican model, it is the astronomical theory that places the Sun as the center of Solar system (initially from universe) and assumes it as a more or less fixed point around which the planets, the Earth among them. This theory came to replace medieval geocentrism, which assumed the Earth as the center of the universe and the other stars rotating around it.
• Evolutionary theory. The theory of evolution is the scientific model that explains the origin of species and its gradual change over time, in response adaptive (both physical and genetic) to the changes occurring around them. It is an inheriting theory of the Scientific formulations of Charles Darwin and what part of the existence of a "natural selection"Which favors certain species and others sentences them to extinction, depending on which one has adapted better to the present environment.
• Atomic theory. This chemical model of the matter understands it as a structural organization of particles virtually indivisible, known as atoms, which exist in great quantity in the universe, but of which there are a finite number of categories. That is, there is a finite set of elements (atoms) whose combinations generate the different types of matter that exist, including organic and that of our bodies.
• Theory of relativity. Formulated by the German physicist Albert Einstein in the 20th century, this physical model encompasses both the Theory of Special Relativity and the Theory of General Relativity, the work of the same author, by means of which the scientist tried to resolve the existing incompatibility between the mechanics Newtonian or classical, and the electromagnetism. Its fundamental precept is that the space and time form the same continuum, within which the events of reality take place, but which are always relative to the state of movement of the observer (hence its name). In this, he broke with the traditional considerations that assumed time and space as fixed and absolute elements.