Theoreticism

Theoreticism is a term used across philosophy, theology, and the social sciences to describe an orientation that places theory at the center of inquiry, often treating theoretical systems, models, or deductions as primary sources of knowledge. In this sense, theoreticism can be understood as a stance that privileges abstract reasoning over empirical data, historical context, or practical application. The term is usually used critically to point to a tendency to subordinate observation to preexisting theoretical frameworks, or to treat theory as determining interpretation rather than being constrained by evidence.

In philosophy, theoreticism is associated with rationalist or deductive approaches that emphasize systematic coherence, sometimes at the expense of skepticism towards a priori assumptions or empirical testing.

In theology and religious studies, it can refer to scholarly or doctrinal approaches that foreground abstract doctrinal structures or metaphysical arguments, potentially at the cost of pastoral or experiential concerns.

In the social sciences and humanities, critics have used theoreticism to describe research programs that develop elaborate theories without sufficient engagement with data, fieldwork, or historical specificity, or that apply a universal model to diverse settings.

Proponents of more empirical, contextual, or pragmatic methods argue that theory should illuminate practice rather than dictate it.

The concept is often discussed in relation to debates about the respective roles of theory, method, and evidence, and it intersects with discussions about rationalism, empiricism, hermeneutics, and critical theory. See also: theory, empiricism, rationalism, pragmatism, hermeneutics, critical theory.