Theory not only formulates what we know but also tells us what we want to know, that is, the questions to which an answer is needed.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I'm not sure what theory is, unless it's the pursuit of fundamental questions.
There can be theory but, you know, the problem is you've got to be able to test it. So theories are one thing, testing is another.
I don't think about a theory of everything when I do my research. And even if we knew the ultimate underlying theory, how are you going to explain the fact that we're sitting here? Solving string theory won't tell us how humanity was born.
If we do discover a complete theory, it should be in time understandable in broad principle by everyone. Then we shall all, philosophers, scientists, and just ordinary people be able to take part in the discussion of why we and the universe exist.
Whenever a theory appears to you as the only possible one, take this as a sign that you have neither understood the theory nor the problem which it was intended to solve.
Don't confuse hypothesis and theory. The former is a possible explanation; the latter, the correct one. The establishment of theory is the very purpose of science.
When you come up with a theory, you fall in love with the beauty the simplicity and elegance of it. But then you have to get a sheet of paper and pencil and crack out all the details. Hundreds and hundreds of pages. Because you have to prove it.
So long as we use a certain language, all questions that we can ask will have to be formulated in it and will thereby confirm the theory of the universe which is implied in the vocabulary and structure of the language.
Theory helps us to bear our ignorance of facts.
To understand the theory which underlies all things is not sufficient. Theory is but the preparation for practice.