Physics theories are (maybe) rational constructs made by humans. One could think that theories
are inventions of the mind, in the sense that the theory is something that was not there before and now it is (of course theories can be reinvented, as many invented things have been, but that doesn't mean that they are discovered). Or we could think, on the other side, that theories are discovered, that is, they were there (?) before and we discovered them, in the same way we discover a gold mine.
Maybe, also, we could think that theories are not invented neither discovered. Theories, for evolutionists, should be a product of our evolution, because in evolution there is no place for creation (even human creation is not possible in evolution).
When I speak of theories, I mean the ideas and mathematical artifacts expressing that ideas. Not the physical fact per se.
What do you think?
When you're talking about a theory, you're talking about an idea that has been put forth in order to explain some occurrence in nature or some phenomenon that hasn't previously been explained. In that way, I guess it fits the bill more as an invention rather than a discovery.
By definition, a discovery is something that already existed without our knowledge, and we just happened to stumble across it. No scientific theory has ever been completely accepted as the truth. A scientific theory is accepted on face value as an explanation either until a new experimental discovery/conclusion contradicts it (in which case, the theory must be modified or rejected altogether), or until an experimental conclusion verifies that theory, in which case the theory becomes strengthened.
I agree. A theory is an invention and not a discovery. In the case of evolution, the process of evolution was discovered, but theories of evolution are invented.
A "theory" is a product of Carefull observation, analizing the results of observartion, genaralising facts,
and more..
so, formation of a theoy is discovery of truth of life to some extent.
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Find his location undisturbed: www.chatrack.frihost.net The same question can be asked about mathematical theories - are they invented or discovered?
This is discussed in the thread Was mathematics invented or discovered?, which includes a reference to an article on the matter by a professional:
The one sure conclusion (in the case of mathematics) is that there is no simple answer! A scientific theory is both invented and discovered. It is discovered from the observations of nature and it is created by the scientist who puts it all together.
no yaar..theories are discoveries...
...coz everything that already exists in nature...the rules of nature...already..its found out by ppl...
They cant b called "Inventions of mind" [Maths seems an exception...Hmmmm worth thinkin]...
Conclusion:
ur quest is not a valid quest!.. 
I think is a discovered, the math ins cience is there (the laws) human just discovered that was happen from the begginig
In my opinion I think theories are invention and discovery at once. It is found -> changed -> invented into something unique so, that it could be used by other people.
Theories are invented. Evidence that proofs theories are discovered.
Once you know for sure, it's not a theory anymore, but the truth. And the truth was discovered.
Theory is a thought put forward by some people. The validity of which is done by extensive calculation, observation and experimentation. This is my view.
I think theories are discovered and invented at the same time.
IMHO, theories are invented to fit accurate and detailed observations. Newton's theory of gravity is a very good example.
His inverse square law of mass attraction fits observation quite well. It is used today to track bodies in the cosmos and also to put human made artificial bodies into space for applied science as well as pure science.
Not to belittle his stupendous accomplishments, Newton did NOT discover gravity, instead he invented a theory that describes it. This was purely a product of the human mind. Scientists today are working hard to actually discover the source of gravity. Some, perhaps Einstein himself in his theory of general relativity, say (said) gravity really doesn't exist at all. Instead what we call gravity is actually the 'natural' curvature (warp) of space-time. And then there are new subatomic particles called gravitons. Theory has it that these particle are the 'carriers' of gravity's force.
In the mean time, Newton's theory will likely be with us for a long time.
Theory can not be discovered, theories arise when there is lack of explanation of something. You write down logical steps that might explain something, however they are just observations or logical steps and nothing more. You carry out experiments to discover proof that turns a theory into a fact. I am no scientist however this is what my understanding is.
My science is my newest discovery . . . by Bluedoll
I personally envision and feel physic theories are merely projections. The difference between a discovery and theory is the point of arrival. I am suggesting that sometimes the distinction between what is fact and what is only a theory can be very close and the point of arrival is on a specific time line, where first we theorize then we search to discover the truth, once we are satisfied, we can then precede to theorize some more. It is endless.
The beauty about physic theories is that it opens our mind to new undiscovered things. Therefore a good scientist will be open to new things but might not necessarily go down the path of a new theory being presented if the he/she is not confident about the proposal.
Statements like evolution will rule out creation for example might be true for a specific groups however in good science there will always be, thank goodness, some ‘different’ models and people who will suggest new theories and thereby open new doors for anyone wishing to pursue another viewpoint. People always can choose to reject theories however, which is entirely up to them.
In my opinion, theories are discovered in that they are always pushing the envelope. Inventions on the other hand is the employment of knowledge which science grants.
In other words, scientists seek to discover new theories based on something as to why things are and people invent new stuff from present knowledge.
