Albert Einstein described two different types of scientific theories: "Constructive theories" and "principle theories". Constructive theories are constructive models for phenomena: for example, kinetic theory. … See more

If experimental results contrary to a theory's predictions are observed, scientists first evaluate whether the experimental design was sound, and if so they confirm the … See more

Theories as axioms
The logical positivists thought of scientific theories as statements in a formal language. First-order logic is an example of a formal language. The logical positivists envisaged a similar scientific language. In addition … See more

Essential criteria
For any theory to be accepted within most academia there is usually one simple criterion. The … See more

The scientific method involves the proposal and testing of hypotheses, by deriving predictions from the hypotheses about the results of … See more

Both scientific laws and scientific theories are produced from the scientific method through the formation and testing of hypotheses, and can predict the behavior of the natural world. Both are also typically well-supported by observations and/or experimental … See more

From philosophers of science
Karl Popper described the characteristics of a scientific theory as follows:
1. It … See more