Understanding of Theory in the Social Sciences

The notion of theory plays a crucial role in social science, as in any science. But few social scientists have discussed the term in a philosophy of science framework. Even fewer have asked whether the term has the same meaning in all social science. Instead, tense debates have raged, with opponents implying — but not explicating — different understandings of theory. Attempting a classification, this overview distinguishes four different understandings of theory, all of which have been influential in the social sciences.