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

dawn wrote:

> I have been working on a question related to the term "theory" and
> decided I first should get a better idea of what this term means to
> others. 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", or is there another someone wants to provide?
> Thanks in advance. --dawn
>

>>From dictionary.com

Unsuitble. A database is not a phenomenon whose principles need to be discovered, as for instance the phenomenon of gravity is the subject of Einstein's theory of relativity. A database is a man-made thing whose principles are crafted by the human mind to accomplish human goals.

> 2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in
> contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as
> reporting matters of actual fact.

See above.

> 3. Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging
> to one subject: number theory.

See above.

> 4. the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or
> methods, as distinguished from its practice: music theory.

Now we have something, a description of a human pursuit. This makes as much sense as #5 below.

> 5. a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the
> method of doing it; a system of rules or principles.

Sounds the same as 4, generally speaking.

> 6. contemplation or speculation.
> 7. guess or conjecture."

Ha! We'll get lots of wise-cracks on these two!

-- 
Kenneth Downs
Secure Data Software, Inc.
(Ken)nneth_at_(Sec)ure(Dat)a(.com)