Teooria

Teooria is a term used to denote a well-substantiated explanation of aspects of the natural or social world. In science, a theory unifies a broad range of observations and laws and provides a framework for making predictions. Theories are developed from evidence, subjected to testing, and open to revision or rejection in light of new data. They differ from hypotheses, which are testable statements about specific situations, and from laws or principles that describe consistent regularities without necessarily explaining underlying causes.

Etymology and usage: The word traces to Greek theoria, meaning contemplation or viewing, via Latin and other European languages, and is used in Estonian as well as in many other languages. In addition to a general notion of theory, Teooria can also refer to a particular theoretical framework or to a field of study, such as number theory or graph theory.

Distinguishing features: A robust theory offers explanatory coherence, broad scope, and predictive power, and it remains consistent with established evidence. It is testable and falsifiable, and while well supported, it remains open to refinement as new data become available. The status of a theory is not a matter of certainty but of enduring evidentiary support and explanatory usefulness.

Examples: In natural sciences, theories include the theory of evolution by natural selection, general relativity, and quantum theory. In mathematics, theory denotes branches such as number theory and graph theory. In computer science, the theory of computation and information theory address fundamental limits and abstractions. In social sciences, theories such as the theory of planned behavior provide frameworks for understanding human actions.