Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Fester Chugabrew
In my way of thinking, all theory is conjecture, but not all conjecture is theory. Do we agree?

No.

Conjecture: inference based on inconclusive or incomplete evidence; guesswork.

Theory: Systematically organized knowledge applicable in a relatively wide variety of circumstances; especially, a system of assumptions, accepted principles, and rules of procedure devised to analyze predict, or otherwise explain the nature or behavior of a specified set of phenomena

Both definitions from the American Heritage Dictionary, Collegiate edition, 1976.

2,020 posted on 05/31/2005 7:06:16 AM PDT by Right Wing Professor
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1981 | View Replies ]


To: Right Wing Professor; Fester Chugabrew
You'll need the following definition as well.

Wild-Ass Guess: fantasy pulled out one's behind.

2,022 posted on 05/31/2005 7:27:56 AM PDT by AntiGuv (™)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2020 | View Replies ]

To: Right Wing Professor

Unless you understand that "theory" entails conjecture you are not working with the correct definition of theory. Do you see the words "system of assumptions" in the American Heritage Dictionary definition of "theory", or does cognative dissonance kick in whenever those words come up?


2,024 posted on 05/31/2005 8:15:01 AM PDT by Fester Chugabrew
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2020 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson