One of the main characteristics of theories in Modern Science is:

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Correct option is B

A theory is always held with some tentativeness

In modern science, a theory is always held with some tentativeness because scientific knowledge is constantly evolving. A scientific theory is a comprehensive explanation of phenomena based on evidence and experimentation, but it is never considered a final or absolute truth. The scientific method is built on empirical testing, observation, and falsifiability (the ability to be proven wrong). Therefore, even well-established theories are open to revision or replacement as new data and better understanding emerge. This characteristic of science allows it to adapt and improve over time.

Scientific theories, while robust and widely accepted when supported by evidence, remain tentative because they are always subject to testing, challenges, and potential revision. This openness ensures that science remains a dynamic and self-correcting process, advancing our knowledge of the natural world.

Information Booster:

1. Tentativeness in Science – Scientific theories are regarded as provisional explanations that can change as new evidence is discovered.
2. Falsifiability – Theories must be falsifiable, meaning they can be tested and potentially disproven, which is central to the scientific process.
3. Scientific Progress – The idea of tentative knowledge allows for scientific progress, where theories evolve, and our understanding deepens over time.
4. Theory vs. Fact – A theory explains a wide range of observations and facts but goes beyond a mere description, offering a deeper understanding of why and how things happen.
5. Cumulative Nature of Science – Science builds on previous findings and theories, adjusting and refining them based on new evidence and insights.
6. Testing and Revision – Scientific theories are tested repeatedly through experiments and observations, and they are revised or discarded if they no longer explain phenomena effectively.

Additional Knowledge:

• A theory is considered as a final explanation – This is incorrect because theories in science are always open to revision. They are never considered final or absolute.
• A theory is just a hypothesis – A hypothesis is an initial, testable prediction that leads to experimentation, while a theory is a comprehensive and well-substantiated explanation based on evidence.
• A theory is a description of facts – While a theory can explain facts, it goes beyond mere description by providing a framework for understanding the mechanisms behind the facts and the relationships between them.