Describe the major purpose of theory in the sciences and practice disciplines
In the simplest terms, a theory can be defined as an explanation of something. Therefore, a theory can be said to explain why and how a particular function occurs in the way that it does. Therefore, a theory can be defined as an organized body of concepts and principles that are intended to explain a particular phenomenon. The process of systematically organizing and formulating the specific ideas and procedures to find the meaning of a particular phenomenon is known as theorizing. There are also assumptions that should be made while proposing the theories. While the explanation of various phenomena in the sciences and the practice disciplines is the major purpose of theory, there are also other purposes of theory.
Theory is the backbone of all practice disciplines and sciences. In the practice disciplines and sciences, a particular sequence is normally followed in which people observe phenomena that are within the nature and try to find irregularities. According to Smith (1991), “the individuals then go ahead and infer the causal theories about the observed irregularities”. Hypotheses are then deduced from the theories and are subjected to a thorough experimentation evaluation thereby allowing the theories to be falsified. In the field of science and practice disciplines, it is not only vital to explain what is already known, but also to predict what will happen in the unknown circumstances and thereby generate the probable solutions for the expected outcomes. This enables the scientists to make decisions and medical experiments that can come with the expected experimental results.
Since theories are abstract rules that individuals infer from many particular circumstances, they are thought to be true until proven otherwise. The theories are tested by the deduction of the specific hypotheses in controlled variables. The experiments made provide empirical tests for the applicability of the theory. In sciences, if the expected results are not correct as predicted by a particular theory, then the theory can be falsified. This is not the only aspect that makes theories non-reliable. The other instances that the theories are unreliable are that the standardization of the theories is very difficult as everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. The other aspect is that the theories are largely borrowed from other fields other than the sciences and the practical disciplines. In science, therefore, the theoretical inquiries that are made are central to the importance of the development of a particular field in science. Additionally, the various theories provide the primary means to guide in the future developments and the suggestion of alternatives.
In conclusion, there are many other functions of theory in the field of science and practical disciplines other than the explanation of phenomena. These functions may include the prediction of the expected situations and finally the generation of the expected results. The creation and development of theories also have some instances of vulnerability. This means that the formulation of the theories in some instances may be compromised in that the formulation of the theories depends on the opinions of the various individuals proposing the theory. Additionally, the theories have to be tested by many experts so as to be validated. It should be noted that the longer the theory is not falsified, the truer the theory. Explanation is thus not the only purpose of theory in sciences and practical disciplines.
References
Smith, T. (1991). The role of ethics in social theory: Essays from a Habermasian perspective. Albany: State University of New York Press.
