2006-08-27 17:44:38 · 15 answers · asked by The Knowledge Server 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
a lot. too many to count
2006-08-27 17:49:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word theory has a number of distinct meanings in different fields of knowledge, depending on their methodologies and the context of discussion.
In common usage, people often use the word theory to signify a conjecture, an opinion, or a speculation. In this usage, a theory is not necessarily based on facts, in other words, it is not required to be consistent with true descriptions of reality. True descriptions of reality are more reflectively understood as statements that would be true independently of what people think about them.
In science, a theory is a proposed description, explanation, or model of the manner of interaction of a set of natural phenomena, capable of predicting future occurrences or observations of the same kind, and capable of being tested through experiment or otherwise falsified through empirical observation. It follows from this that for scientists "theory" and "fact" do not necessarily stand in opposition. For example, it is a fact that an apple dropped on earth has been observed to fall towards the center of the planet, and the theory which explains why the apple behaves so is the current theory of gravitation.
2006-08-28 03:01:46 · answer #2 · answered by M. Abuhelwa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is certainly finite and could be discovered because:
1. A scientific theory is a unique brand of knowledge. It is not merely a hypothesis, but rather has been upheld by experimental evidence. Therefore the set of 'scientific' theories is relatively small and inherently well documented.
2. Scientific theory, in the strictest sense, has only emerged in the last ~400 years providing a relatively small timeframe to produce work that is quite likely to have survived in a decypherable form.
2006-08-28 00:55:47 · answer #3 · answered by mithrandir 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is not "billions", as the requirements to become a boni fide scientific theory are pretty high.
I just pulled down from my bookshelf my copy of a book entitled the "Dictionary of Theories" (by Jennifer Bothamley). Great book.
It has over 5,000 entries.
[In fairness, while most of these are scientific theories, some of these are mathematical theories, philosophical, or even a few theories of art (like dadaism or impressionism).]
2006-08-28 03:47:57 · answer #4 · answered by secretsauce 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A seemingly infinite number, if you also count the number of related permutations and subsequent developments and modifications - and then consider the many different disciplines - Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Botany, Anthropology, Nuclear Science, etc.
2006-08-28 00:48:21 · answer #5 · answered by Timothy W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Theory is ever evolving, if you believe the universe is infinite in size then there are just as many chances of there being infinite theories. but you seem intelligent enough to know this, are you just seeing if others think like you. yes i do.
2006-08-28 01:06:51 · answer #6 · answered by treb67 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coming up on a triple shitload and a half âº
Doug
2006-08-28 01:29:01 · answer #7 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably Billions, many aren't ever recorded or documented.
2006-08-28 00:50:37 · answer #8 · answered by cman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
apparently more than 1
2006-08-28 00:52:04 · answer #9 · answered by rickunlimited1952 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About as many as there are opinions on yahoo answers.
2006-08-28 00:47:40 · answer #10 · answered by Paul S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
limitless theories are found in science...but in personal point of view it all began with socrates...the father of logical thinking.
2006-08-28 02:48:08 · answer #11 · answered by Armando Q 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋