Evaluation of Theories

Abstract

This chapter focuses on evaluation of theories. Science is an institution for promoting the search of knowledge. All those who are engaged in the creative and critical use of the scientific method constitute the scientific community. The research system is composed of researchers, their groups, university departments, research units and networks, stations and laboratories. The funding of research activities is provided by the organs and principles of science policy. The community of investigators has its own normative and ethical standards concerning rewards, quality, and best practices. The ethos of science is to produce systematic and justified new knowledge by the process of inquiry. The task of the universities is to transfer critical thinking and knowledge to new generations by offering education by means of research-based teaching. The innovation system is designed to employ knowledge for the creation of new technologies and commercial applications. Science is an institution supporting a highly organized activity within the research system. Science is also an activity of researchers who are collectively conducting inquiry where the primary tool is the critical method of research, and the primary product is a system of knowledge.