Teoretisk

Teoretisk is an adjective used in Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish to describe something related to theory or based on theoretical reasoning rather than practical observation. In everyday use it refers to ideas, models, or explanations that are developed through deduction, abstraction, or mathematical analysis, before or apart from empirical testing. A teoretisk approach emphasizes concepts such as consistency, coherence, and logical implication, and it often precedes or guides empirical work.

The term derives from the word theory (teori) and the suffix -isk, reflecting its roots in classical theory. In Scandinavian languages the form is teoretisk (Norwegian, Danish, Swedish uses teoretisk as well). It contrasts with empirical or practical, which relies on observation, experiment, or application.

In academia, teoretisk work spans disciplines such as teoretisk fysikk (theoretical physics), teoretisk informatikk or teoretisk datalogi (theoretical computer science), teoretisk økonomi, and teoretisk filosofi. Theoretical research may involve developing mathematical models, proving theorems, proposing hypotheses, or constructing frameworks that explain or predict phenomena.

Usage notes: teoretisk is often combined with nouns to characterize an area of study (teoretisk fysikk), a stance (teoretisk tilnærming), or a method (teoretisk analyse). In philosophy and social sciences, it can denote a stance oriented toward theory-building rather than fieldwork.

See also: theory, theoretical framework, hypothesis, model, epistemology.