Re: The term "theory" as in "database theory"

On Jan 27, 12:33 am, "Marshall" <marshall.spi..._at_gmail.com> wrote:
> On Jan 26, 10:40 am, "dawn" <dawnwolth..._at_gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > [...] Below is the dictionary.com list of definitions. Which of the
> > following comes closest to the use of the term "theory" in this ng as
> > in "database theory", [...]
>
> > >From dictionary.com
> > "1. a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of
> > explanation for a class of phenomena: Einstein's theory of relativity.
> > 2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in
> > contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as
> > reporting matters of actual fact.
> > 3. Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging
> > to one subject: number theory.
> > 4. the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or
> > methods, as distinguished from its practice: music theory.
> > 5. a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the
> > method of doing it; a system of rules or principles.
> > 6. contemplation or speculation.
> > 7. guess or conjecture."3 and 4 are best. 5 is close.
>
> 2, 6, and 7 are the layman's use of the term, which basically means
> a wild-assed guess.
>
> 1 is in the neighborhood, but refers specifically to the natural world
> rather than the abstract world.
>
> Occam's razor is in the same domain as 1, and doesn't really apply,

Agreed.

> except perhaps as a design principle. I'm not clear why you're
> focusing on an offhand comment of FP's in an old dbazine article.

I just explained that in a response to mAsterdam, but will put a recap here. My hypothesis is that this false notion, repeated by several in relational circles, has been rather key to relational theory going from being good as a mathematical model to being viewed as THE model by many. It seems there are some who still hold to it, which would be a reason it could be difficult to even consider discussing modeling with functions, for example (which could be taken as more complex, I suppose), or di-graphs, or other useful mathematical models for data. Cheers! --dawn Received on Sat Jan 27 2007 - 18:14:37 CET