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T
Theory
T
heory: This is a word that is frequently misunderstood. Let us say we have
a collection of observations (“facts”) about something—it preferentially
absorbs certain wavelengths of light; is composed largely of oxygen, hydro-
gen, carbon, calcium, and phosphorus in certain proportions; and absorbs
oxygen from the environment while releasing carbon dioxide. Atheory is a
way of explaining at these observations that allows us to make additional
predictions about the behavior of the system. If these predictions are right,
we have a theory that is good enough for now. If they are not, we have to
change our theory or claim that the