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Theoretical definition
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{{Short description|Definition of a word based on theories on its nature}} A '''theoretical definition''' defines a term in an academic discipline, functioning as a proposal to see a phenomenon in a certain way. A theoretical definition is a proposed way of thinking about potentially related events.<ref name="AboutTD">[http://atheism.about.com/od/logicalarguments/a/def_theoretical.htm About.com, Logical Arguments, "Theoretical Definitions"]</ref><ref name="ConciseIntro" /> Theoretical definitions contain ''built-in'' theories; they cannot be simply reduced to describing a set of observations. The definition may contain implicit [[inductive reasoning|inductions]] and [[deductive]] consequences that are part of the theory.<ref>(6 January 2009). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/science-theory-observation Theory and Observation in Science]. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved 5 December 2016.</ref> A theoretical definition of a term can change, over time, based on the methods in the field that created it. Without a [[Falsifiability|falsifiable]] [[operational definition]], conceptual definitions assume both knowledge and acceptance of the theories that it depends on.<ref name="AboutTD" /> A [[hypothetical construct]] may serve as a theoretical definition, as can a [[stipulative definitions|stipulative definition]]. ==In different fields== ===Sciences=== The term [[scientific theory]] is reserved for concepts that are widely accepted. A [[scientific law]] often refers to regularities that can be expressed by a mathematical statement. However, there is no consensus about the distinction between these terms.<ref>[http://science.kennesaw.edu/~rmatson/3380theory.html Scientific Laws And Theories]. Retrieved 5 December 2016.</ref> Every scientific concept must have an [[operational definition]], however the operational definition can use both direct observations and [[latent variables]].<ref name="research methods">{{cite book|last1=Watt|first1=James H.|last2=van den Berg|first2=Sjef|title=Philosophy of Science, Empiricism, and the Scientific Method|date=2002|pages=11|url=http://www.cios.org/readbook/rmcs/rmcs.htm|access-date=24 March 2015|ref=Chapter 2 - Elements of Scientific Theories: Concepts and Definitions}}</ref> ====Natural sciences==== In the natural sciences, a concept is an abstract conclusion drawn from observations.<ref name="research methods" /> ====Social and health sciences==== Social and health sciences interact with non-empirical fields and use both observation based and pre-existing concepts such as intelligence, race, and gender. * In psychology the term "conceptual definition" is used for a concept variable.<ref>[http://www.rit.edu/cla/gssp400/lectures/l5.html Hypotheses]. Retrieved on 5 December 2016.</ref> ===Interdisciplinary=== Most [[interdisciplinary]] fields are designed to address specific real world concerns and the status of theoretical definitions in interdisciplinary fields is still evolving.<ref>[http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/43242_1.pdf Defining Interdisciplinary Studies]. Retrieved on 5 December 2016.</ref> ==Examples== {| class="wikitable" |- | Theoretical or Conceptual definition || [[Operational definition]] |- || Weight: a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object || a result of measurement of an object on a [[Newton (unit)|Newton]] [[spring scale]] |} ===In natural science=== The definitions of substances as various configurations of atoms are theoretical definitions, as are definitions of [[color]]s as specific [[wavelength]]s of reflected light. ====Physics==== The first [[postulate]] of [[special relativity]] theory that the [[speed of light]] in vacuum is the same to all inertial observers (i.e. it is a constant, and therefore a good measure of length). Of interest, this theoretical concept is the basis of an [[operational definition]] for the length of a [[metre]] is ''"the distance traveled by [[light]] in a [[vacuum]] during a time interval of 1/299,792,458 of a [[second]]"''. Thus we have defined 'metre' according to other ideas contained in modern scientific theory. Rejection of the theory underlying a theoretical definition leaves the definition invalid for use in argument with those who reject it β neither side will advance its position by using terms the others do not accept {{citation needed|date=March 2015}}. [[Heat]] explains a collection of various laws of nature and that predict certain results.<ref name=ConciseIntro>''A Concise Introduction to Logic'' by Patrick J. Hurley. 2007. Cengage learning. Entry on "Theoretical Definitions" may even be available through google books{{full citation needed|date=August 2014}}</ref> ===In Medicine=== ===In social science=== ====Union ==== In psychology, the concept of intelligence is meant to explain correlations in performance on certain cognitive tasks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Intelligent intelligence testing|url=http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb03/intelligent.aspx|website=American Psychological Association|access-date=24 March 2015}}</ref> Recent models suggest several cognitive processes may be involved in tasks that have been associated with intelligence.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Conway|first1=Andrew R.A|last2=Cowan|first2=Nelson|last3=Bunting|first3=Michael F|last4=Therriault|first4=David J|last5=Minkoff|first5=Scott R.B|title=A latent variable analysis of working memory capacity, short-term memory capacity, processing speed, and general fluid intelligence|journal=Intelligence|date=1999|volume=30|issue=2|pages=163β183|doi=10.1016/S0160-2896(01)00096-4}}</ref> However, overall the [[general intelligence factor|"g" or general intelligence factor]] is relatively supported by research{{cn|date=February 2017}}, though there are [[G_factor_(psychometrics)#Challenges|challenges]]. ===Philosophy=== Differing theoretical definitions of "thinking" have caused conflict amongst [[Philosophy of artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence philosophers]], illustrated for example by the different responses to the [[Chinese room]] experiment.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} Some philosophers might call "thought" merely ''"having the ability to convince another person that you can think"''.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} An [[operational definition]] corresponding to this theoretical definition could be a simple conversation test (e.g. [[Turing test]]). Others believe that better theoretical and operational definitions are required. == See also == * [[Construct (philosophy)]] * [[General Conference on Weights and Measures]] * [[International Committee for Weights and Measures]] * [[Latent variable]] * [[Operational definition]] * [[Stipulative definitions]] ==References== {{Reflist|2}} {{Defining}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Theoretical Definition}} [[Category:Definition]] [[Category:Logic]] [[Category:Metatheory]]
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