21. Define a theory as it applies to history.

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A theory is based upon a hypothesis and backed by evidence. It is a framework by which we organize and understand the world and the past. It is intended the explain, and give support to an observation. Theories give meaning to what we see in archeology. Philosophers mostly agree that theories can never be totally proved or disproved since they are statements about abstract relationships. Only the hypotheses can be proved or disproved. A good theory or explanation has three characteristics: it is predictive, parsimonious, and powerful. Theories that make hypotheses that correctly predict what will be observed are predictive. A theory is considered to be good if it is as simple as possible, or parsimonious. The simpler the theory the less possibility there is for that theory to be wrong. Ockham’s Razor is the idea that says the simpler of two competing ideas is the one to favor. A good theory is relatively powerful if it has scope and generality. Theories that cover a broad range of phenomena are much more powerful than those that cover a very narrow range of phenomena.

File:Http://ninapaley.com/mimiandeunice/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ME 230 CriticalTheory.png

Sources: Class notes 8/29/13 History Manuel p.(8) http://psychology.about.com/od/tindex/f/theory.htm