From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia   (Redirected from
Theoretical) Jump to: navigation, search For theories in
science, see scientific theory.   One modern group of meanings
emphasizes the interpretative, abstracting, and generalizing
nature of theory. For example in the arts and philosophy, the
term "theoretical" may be used to describe ideas and empirical
phenomena which are not easily measurable. Theory abstracts. It
draws away from the particular and empirical. By extension of
the philosophical meaning, "theoria" is a word still used in
theological contexts to mean viewing through contemplation —
speculating about meanings that transcend measurement. However,
by contrast to theoria, theory is based on the act of viewing
analytically and generalizing contextually. It is thus based
upon a process of abstraction. That is, theory involves stepping
back, or abstracting, from that which one is viewing.[1]  A
theory can be normative (or prescriptive),[2] meaning a
postulation about what ought to be. It provid