Theorij

Theorij is a theoretical framework within the philosophy of science and science and technology studies (STS) that examines how scientific communities select, modify, and abandon theories in practice. It treats theories as dynamic tools for prediction, explanation, and problem solving rather than literal descriptions of reality. Theorij emphasizes the role of social structure, instrumental utility, and contextual constraints in shaping theoretical commitments. The name has been used in discussions across philosophy and STS to denote this approach, with the core claim that theory choice is partially governed by non-empirical factors.

Origins and development: Theorij arose from interdisciplinary discussions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, drawing on pragmatist and constructivist traditions and engaging with debates on underdetermination and theory-ladenness. It is presented more as a methodological stance than a fixed doctrine, allowing for pluralism across scientific fields.

Key concepts: instrumentality, contextual theory choice, social epistemology, and methodological pluralism. The framework suggests that communities evaluate theories by coherence with experimental arrangements, available models and tools, educational impact, and practical incentives such as funding and policy needs. It allows competing theories to be pragmatically equivalent and argues that non-empirical considerations can steer preference when empirical criteria are balanced.

Reception and impact: Proponents credit Theorij with highlighting neglected social dimensions of theory change and improving explanations of scientific progress in rapidly evolving domains. Critics caution against downward relativism and call for clear criteria to avoid conflation of social factors with empirical adequacy.

See also: theory choice, underdetermination, instrumentalism, social epistemology.