Glossary - Theory

In science, a theory refers to an integrated set of principles that explain and predict events that are observed in the natural world.  Both well-evidenced and demonstrably true, and usable to make accurate predictions.

A "theory" is the highest level of knowledge in science:

• a theory in science means a body of well evidenced information, based on established facts and evidence
• a theory must be falsifiable and pass through rigorous and continuous peer review and is constantly updated to fit new information
• a theory in science is as close to irrefutable fact as it gets

(Thanks to BadTemperedBadger on YouTube and Twitter for writing this explanation:  https://www.twitter.com/BadTemperBadger/status/1119930569452867584)

See also

• Fact
• Falsifiable
• Hypothesis
• L.O.V.E.
• Scientific method
• Skepticism