2007-01-18 05:13:25 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
From what I remember from my college days; first one comes across a question they want answered, (why does oil float on water?) then they develop a "theory" or proposed answer to the question (because water is heavier due to it's molecular structure(not an actual fact)) as a sort of framework within which to do research to either prove or disprove the theory. And the more complicated the theory the more necessary it is to have that framework. It gives the scientist's a starting place for their research and as the research moves forward the theory may change or become more complex.
2007-01-18 05:43:22 · answer #1 · answered by O Wise One 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is something that must happen before application of the solution to a problem, at least for a conscious mind. Otherwise, its called instinct.
Say I'm playing with some Lego bricks and I'd like to accomplish a task of spanning a 2 foot cap in a model extension bridge design. Before I actually try something, there is at least a moment of theorizing (coming up with the idea) before I actually try it.
I theorize that if I try this brick arrangement, I might solve the problem. I try it and it either works or it fails, but I've either solved the problem or I've gotten information I can use to postulate my next theory and try again.
2007-01-18 05:21:44 · answer #2 · answered by Justin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
humans develop theories as a part of trying to find the truth. for instance, humans seek to find out how it was the dinosaurs were wiped out from the earth (to choose a non-controversial topic), but there is no way to know exactly how this occured. so, using what information that they can find, various scientists and paleontologists use data that they consider definitive to support their conclusion. this is the same in any area: seeking to find the truth about the creation of the universe, the meaning of life, etc...all theories are someone's quest to find the truth
2007-01-18 10:19:45 · answer #3 · answered by just an inkling 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humans have a curiosity to venture into unwanted(childhood is best example), be it anyfield of life. After seeing different phenomenons mind asks for reason for what is happening, why it is happening in this way, what's the reason and can there be ither way round. This kinda introspection leads to experimentation, deduce results and construct a theory to explain why this happens like this.
2007-01-18 05:31:48 · answer #4 · answered by gomsi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To understand ourselves and the world we live in, we first apply what is known and provable. Beyond that, we can only theorize, hoping that proof and knowledge will emerge to widen the horizons of our comprehension. In this way our understanding increases - sometimes at a crawl, sometimes by sudden leaps and bounds. But beyond what is available to us empirically, we can only theorize, utilizing what we do have and hoping to move toward greater truths than those at our disposal today.
2007-01-18 07:07:28 · answer #5 · answered by jerrold 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Innate desire to solve riddles. Falsify another theory.
2007-01-18 09:48:55 · answer #6 · answered by Unconvincable 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Strife for human interaction. Either that or to see what gender Michael Jackson is...
2007-01-18 06:34:31 · answer #7 · answered by Groovacious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋