Theory vs. Rationale

Theorynoun

(obsolete) Mental conception; reflection, consideration.

Theorynoun

(sciences) A coherent statement or set of ideas that explains observed facts or phenomena and correctly predicts new facts or phenomena not previously observed, or which sets out the laws and principles of something known or observed; a hypothesis confirmed by observation, experiment etc.

Theorynoun

(uncountable) The underlying principles or methods of a given technical skill, art etc., as opposed to its practice.

Theorynoun

(mathematics) A field of study attempting to exhaustively describe a particular class of constructs.

Theorynoun

A hypothesis or conjecture.

Theorynoun

A set of axioms together with all statements derivable from them. Equivalently, a formal language plus a set of axioms (from which can then be derived theorems).

Theorynoun

A doctrine, or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or contemplation, without a view to practice; hypothesis; speculation.

Theorynoun

An exposition of the general or abstract principles of any science; as, the theory of music.

Theorynoun

The science, as distinguished from the art; as, the theory and practice of medicine.

Theorynoun

The philosophical explanation of phenomena, either physical or moral; as, Lavoisier's theory of combustion; Adam Smith's theory of moral sentiments.

Theorynoun

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena;

Theorynoun

a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;

Theorynoun

a belief that can guide behavior;

Theory

A theory is a rational type of abstract thinking about a phenomenon, or the results of such thinking. The process of contemplative and rational thinking is often associated with such processes as observational study or research.

Rationalenoun

An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.

Rationalenoun

A justification or rationalization for something.

Rationalenoun

An explanation or exposition of the principles of some opinion, action, hypothesis, phenomenon, or the like; also, the principles themselves.

Rationalenoun

(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature);