Comments about "Scientific theory" in Wikipedia

This document contains comments about the article Scientific theory in Wikipedia
In the last paragraph I explain my own opinion.

Contents

Reflection

Introduction

The article starts with the following sentence.
In everyday speech, theory can imply an explanation that represents an unsubstantiated and speculative guess, whereas in science it describes an explanation that has been tested and widely accepted as valid.
Correct.
These different usages are comparable to the opposing usages of prediction in science versus common speech, where it denotes a mere hope.
Correct.
A case in point is Newton's laws of motion, which can serve as an approximation to special relativity at velocities that are small relative to the speed of light.

1. Types

Albert Einstein described two types of scientific theories: "Constructive theories" and "principle theories". Constructive theories are constructive models for phenomena: for example, kinetic energy. Principle theories are empirical generalisations such as Newton's laws of motion.
Difficult.
Newton's Law is also based on the theory of the conservation of energy.

2 Characteristics

2.1 Essential criteria

The essential criterion is that the theory must be observable and repeatable.
A better sentence is: The essential criterion of a theory is that the theory must be based on observations and calculations and that the experiments involved must be repeatable.
These qualities are certainly true of such established theories as special and general relativity, quantum mechanics, plate tectonics, the modern evolutionary synthesis, etc.
Quantum mechanics is a broad field and all what it incorporates is not as clear as it should be.

2.2 Other criteria

2.3 Definitions from scientific organizations

3 Formation

For example, the predictions made by classical mechanics are known to be inaccurate in the relatistivic realm, but they are almost exactly correct at the comparatively low velocities of common human experience
This example should be reversed. First when it is correct, there after when it is incorrect.
What is missing is an explanation of relativistic realm.
The issue is that Newton's Law is 'correct' for the large planets and 'wrong' for the planet Mercury, while the velocities involved are low.

4 Modification and improvement

For example, it has been known since 1859 that the observed perihelion precession of Mercury violates Newtonian mechanics, but the theory remained the best explanation available until relativity was supported by sufficient evidence.
It should be mentioned that to calculate the movement of all the planets in our solar system using General Relativity, without any simplification, is very difficult.

4.1 Unification

4.2 Example: Relativity

5 Theories and laws

6 About theories

6.1 Theories as axioms

6.2 Theories as models

6.2.1 Differences between theory and model

6.3 Assumptions in formulating theories

7 Descriptions

7.1 From philosophers of science

7.2 Analogies and metaphors

8 In physics

9 Examples

10. See also

Following is a list with "Comments in Wikipedia" about related subjects

Reflection 1 - Newton's Law versus SR and GR

The physical laws can be divided in two types: Single object Laws and Multiple object Laws.
One important parameter which is treated differently using the two types is the concept mass.
In the case of physics of a Single object situation, a balance (and a standard) is used to measure the mass of individual objects.
In the case of a multiple objects situation, Newton's Law or General Relativity is used to calculate the mass of individual objects.

Reflection 2

Reflection 3

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Created: 10 March 2019

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