Abstract

LEAL CARRETERO, Fernando. On theory. Espiral (Guadalaj.) [online]. 2013, vol.20, n.57, pp.9-38. ISSN 1665-0565.

The noun 'theory' and the adjective 'theoretical' derived thereof, with which we construct phrases like 'theoretical framework', 'theoretical discussion' or 'theoretical concept', pervade everyday talk in social science texts and classrooms. Yet the necessary conceptual precision is sadly missing from that talk, at least in the author's experience. Students in particular suffer from this state of affairs. The present paper has been written as a contribution to alleviate the problem, first of all by making the term 'theory' as precise as possible, and then by briefly describing the misunderstandings and the faults of exposition consequent upon conceptual imprecision.

Keywords : theory; methodology; theoretical framework; theoretical model; argumentation.

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