A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a large body of evidence gathered through repeated testing, observation, and experimentation according to the scientific method
. Unlike the everyday use of the word "theory," which often implies a guess or speculation, a scientific theory is a comprehensive and reliable account that explains and organizes multiple facts and empirical laws
. Key characteristics of a scientific theory include:
- It explains why and how certain phenomena occur, going beyond just describing them
- It is supported by a vast amount of evidence and has withstood rigorous scrutiny over time
- It can make predictions about natural events or phenomena that have not yet been observed
- It may incorporate hypotheses, scientific laws, and facts into a coherent framework
- It is subject to revision or replacement if new evidence contradicts it, reflecting the evolving nature of scientific knowledge
Scientific theories differ from scientific laws in that laws describe relationships or patterns observed in nature, often mathematically, while theories provide the underlying explanations for those laws
. Examples of well-established scientific theories include the theory of evolution, cell theory, atomic theory, germ theory of disease, and the theory of plate tectonics
. In summary, a scientific theory is a rigorously tested and broadly accepted explanation that helps us understand and predict natural phenomena, forming a fundamental part of scientific knowledge.
