What is Theory?

A theory is a form of systematic reflection with six features.

1. Conceptual Sensitivity : almost obsessive and self conscious, concerned with the internal structure of concepts, with, how concepts relate to one another.
2. Rational Structure: theory is a rational enterprise where the term rational is understood very broadly, to mean the conclusion arrived at has come discernible structure of reasons behind it.
3. Truth and Objectivity: the truth that theories aspire to are not valid for all the times and all places. The truth of most theories are context dependent and therefore limited to specific time and place.
4. Generality: a theory aspires to some degree of generality and abstraction. It does so because it aims to cover a wide variety of related phenomenon.
5. Unearthing background assumptions: theory is committed to unearthing the background assumptions of our statements, beliefs, actions and practices.
6. Strong non-speculative intent:  theory is a product of modern conditions. A theory must be rooted in and transcend the lived experience of people, the collective practices of society and the embedded understandings and common sense of community.