Theory is needed to break through deceptive appearances but cannot dictate action

Evidence

Theory formation is a conceptual approach to formulating general principles inherent in a specific field of research. A theory has higher generality and potentially the widest applicability compared to experimentation and modelling techniques. On the other hand, very general theories are hard to apply to complex and specific cases in practice; they rather help and direct the thinking process. — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 102 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Theory is a necessary detour into concepts to break through the chaos of appearances; Excessive theorizing can empty power of its material exercise; Thought requires deliberate self-distancing because reality resists being understood directly (+6 more)

Related

• Mastering a theory’s principles alone does not ensure correct application (similarity 0.89)
• Very general theories guide thinking but resist direct application to specific cases (similarity 0.86)
• Theory aims to think concrete objects through their multiple interrelations (similarity 0.85)
• Method can fail through either dogmatic generality or atomistic localism (similarity 0.83)
• Moving from abstract theory to concrete analysis requires adding new concepts (similarity 0.80)
• Theory is a necessary detour into concepts to break through the chaos of appearances (similarity 0.78)
• Theory is deployed strategically as bricolage rather than produced as autonomous object (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• Theory is a necessary detour into concepts to break through the chaos of appearances #corroborates (0.92)
• Thought requires deliberate self-distancing because reality resists being understood directly #corroborates (0.85)
• Very general theories guide thinking but resist direct application to specific cases #expands (0.85) — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 102
• Endless theorizing of power can empty power of real meaning #complicates (0.82)
• Excessive theorizing can empty power of its material exercise #expands (0.80)
• Valuable theory is that which one actively resists, not easily absorbs. #qualifies (0.75)