Cell theory

[Harbringer]

Why is it still reffered to as the cell theory? Is it more laymen as in "Theoretical fact" like evolution and gravity? I dont get it

 

[Perfection]

Theory is a sloppily applied term

Just take a look at the differences in these usages:
Big bang theory
cell theory
conspiracy theory
phlogiston theory
Marxist theory
music theory

 

[Harbringer]

Theory is a sloppily applied term

Just take a look at the differences in these usages:
Big bang theory
cell theory
conspiracy theory
phlogiston theory
Marxist theory
music theory

So in what sence is it being applied then?

 

[Perfection]

I don't feel the need to analyze "theory" into any group of senses or anything, I just let my intuitive understanding of the context do the job.

 

[warpus]

In science, the word theory is used as a plausible general principle or body of principles offered to explain a phenomenon.

Does that explain it?

 

[GoodGame]

The term is meaningful in the context of history, as it's the science of proving life comes from life, and has discrete units, contrary to older concepts of 'spontaneous generation'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_theory
http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/AB/BC/Spontaneous_Generation.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_generation

 

[Taras Bulba]

it is known as cell theory because according to the theory itself, the theory cannot exist because where did the first cell come from? Therefore, the theory proves itself wrong (cells can't only come from other cells if there was a first). It is only thought to be correct at all because it does, from now, follow the same pattern.

 

[raketooy]

Theory ≠ hypothesis

 

[Perfection]

Theory ≠ Theory

 

[GoodGame]

Eh? Two separate definitions for "Theory"?

 

[Perfection]

No, the exact same definition.

 

[Souron]

Eh? Two separate definitions for "Theory"?

Yes and no.

In colloquial speech a theory is an unproven conjecture about something. The lack of proof implies doubt.

In science it is an explanation of how things are. (see warpus's post for a more precise definition). It is technically unproven because it is impossible to prove anything in science with the rigor of a mathematical proof.

Therefore in a sense "an unproven conjecture" is the one definition of Theory, but the word is used in drastically different ways.