A theory is a system of ideas that we use to explain something
and is used as a frame of reference for analyzing the event. Theories are often
modified based on subsequent events and new theories are a result of this
evolution. The explanations that aim to prove or disprove theories are called
hypothesis.
Theories are constantly under fire and can at any point be
disproven by a single fact not aligning with the theory. This unstable nature
of theories is essential to maintain the flexibility of our understanding of
the world so that unexpected phenomenon can be assimilated into our
understanding of the world.
The era after the industrial revolution was one of
tremendous change and the theories and philosophies of old could not be used to
explain a lot of the changes that were taking place. This resulted in the birth
of several new philosophies. The present era shows signs of a similar dramatic change
being in the offing. The rising discontent with religions, the increased
information availability and utilization and the threat of climate change has
changed the thinking of the younger generation compared to that of the previous
generation.
The exposure to information that
would otherwise be unavailable due to the usage of the internet and newer
methods of communication has added new dimensions to everything from personal
relationships to scientific thinking. This has created a discord in the standards
of societal conduct that are used by different generations. The doors of
research which earlier limited researchers to those scholars who spent years
poring over books to uncover a single new fact have been thrown open for anyone
who has access to the internet and time enough for a few searches.
Information
is no longer limited, but knowledge of how to use it is.The systems put in place for information
dissemination which was required earlier have not adapted to the newer needs of
the people and are now a barrier to the advancement of science.The gap in thinking between the people that control the systems and those who use them has resulted in systems that target the wrong theories.The framework of thought that is built up is redundant by the time the person comes out of the system and tries to apply them.
