What is scientific theory?

The scientific theory is the highest form of the formation of scientific knowledge. This higher form gives a holistic view of the essential connections and regularities of the particular area of reality under investigation.

The scientific theory is represented by a system of statements that are logically interrelated. Building knowledge in it is carried out with the use of evidence. The scientific theory embodies a certain research program, which ensures its integrity, presenting it as a single system containing knowledge. The methodological point of view provides that this system should strive to describe adequately and fully, derive provisions, preserving integrity and internal consistency.

The scientific theory includes a number of components. They include, in particular, the empirical basis (the facts obtained as a result of the experiment), the theoretical basis (laws and postulates used in describing idealized objects). In addition, the system is made up of logic (principles and rules of proof and inference), as well as a set of obtained results and statements.

Scientific theories have a different nature of problems to be solved. Different ways of construction and types of processes are different. Along with this, different types of scientific theories correspond to different forms of idealization and types of idealized objects. In this regard, there is a certain classification of systems, according to which scientific theories are subdivided into deductive, descriptive and mathematic.

Descriptive (empirical) systems include, for example, the evolutionary doctrine put forward by Darwin, Pavlov's physiological system. The same category includes linguistic theories in their traditional understanding, most of the modern theories of psychology, and others. In accordance with the numerous experimental data, these knowledge systems describe a specific group of phenomena and objects. This allows us to derive the general laws that form the basis of the theory. As a rule, descriptive systems are formulated in a simple natural language with the use of special terminology from the relevant field of knowledge.

Mathematic theories are distinguished by an active involvement of the mathematical apparatus and model. The model is the construction of an ideal object that replaces and represents a certain definite real object. To this type of theory include mathematical linguistics, genetics, theoretical physics.

The third type is deductive systems. The necessity of their construction appeared in connection with the emerging problems of mathematical justification. The first deductive theory refers to the "Principle" of Euclid. They are built on the basis of an axiomatic principle. These scientific theories are compiled in several stages. First, the initial, initial basis is formulated. Then, statements are generated that are supposed to be obtained from this basis. The logical tools used in deductive theories are strictly fixed, the evidence is based on these tools. In such systems use a special formalized language.

The scientific concept is created in accordance with certain requirements. The adequacy of the described object must necessarily be present, the completeness of the description of the investigated sphere of reality. An inseparable condition is the interconnection of the different components, the correspondence of the experience data.

Applying methods of scientific analysis, scientists not only create descriptions of objects in the relevant subject area, but also explain their functions, structure, composition, genesis.

For any system, certain justification procedures (falsification, verification, etc.) may be applied. As a rule, they are connected with criticism of the theoretical basis.