theoretical definition
{{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.[http://atheism.about.com/od/logicalarguments/a/def_theoretical.htm About.com, Logical Arguments, "Theoretical Definitions"] Theoretical definitions contain built-in theories; they cannot be simply reduced to describing a set of observations. The definition may contain implicit inductions and deductive consequences that are part of the theory.(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. A theoretical definition of a term can change, over time, based on the methods in the field that created it.
Without a falsifiable operational definition, conceptual definitions assume both knowledge and acceptance of the theories that it depends on. A hypothetical construct may serve as a theoretical definition, as can a 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.[http://science.kennesaw.edu/~rmatson/3380theory.html Scientific Laws And Theories]. Retrieved 5 December 2016. Every scientific concept must have an operational definition, however the operational definition can use both direct observations and latent variables.{{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}}
==Natural sciences==
==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.[http://www.rit.edu/cla/gssp400/lectures/l5.html Hypotheses]. Retrieved on 5 December 2016.
=Interdisciplinary=
Most interdisciplinary fields are designed to address specific real world concerns and the status of theoretical definitions in interdisciplinary fields is still evolving.[http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/43242_1.pdf Defining Interdisciplinary Studies]. Retrieved on 5 December 2016.
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 spring scale |
=In natural science=
The definitions of substances as various configurations of atoms are theoretical definitions, as are definitions of colors as specific wavelengths 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 — 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.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}}
=In Medicine=
=In social science=
==Union ==
In psychology, the concept of intelligence is meant to explain correlations in performance on certain cognitive tasks.{{cite web|title=Intelligent intelligence testing|url=http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb03/intelligent.aspx|website=American Psychological Association|access-date=24 March 2015}} Recent models suggest several cognitive processes may be involved in tasks that have been associated with intelligence.{{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=163–183|doi=10.1016/S0160-2896(01)00096-4}} However, overall the "g" or general intelligence factor is relatively supported by research{{cn|date=February 2017}}, though there are challenges.
=Philosophy=
Differing theoretical definitions of "thinking" have caused conflict amongst 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
References
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{{Defining}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoretical Definition}}