Theories About Theories

If we go back to Chapter 3 of our book, we read that a theory is "an abstract system of concepts and their relationships that help us to understand a phenomenon." There are a lot of rich words in this definition: 'abstract, 'system', 'concepts', 'relationships', 'phenomenon'. Ironically, for a definition that's so complex, the whole point of a theory is to simplify so we can understand. What I want to point out here is the variety of forms a theory can take, depending on how you tie all of those rich words together. Theories can attempt to explain very specifically or very generally, they can be deductive or inductive, they can even be complicated or quite simple. When posed with a question of utility on any group of theories, I have to simply ask, "Which theory?" and "Applied to which subject?"

Each field of study has many theories.

While none of the theories we have learned about in this class are conspiracy theories or theories that leave you wondering what you just read, and they're all in the realm of Communication, each one still leaves questions and a lack of complete satisfaction - there's no such thing as a perfect theory. Social Exchange Theory leaves you wondering how to quantify "cost" and "reward" among other things. Inconsistent Nurturing as Control Theory leaves men out to dry, wondering what they can learn from this theory. Family Communication Patterns Theory disregards individual personalities within the family, perhaps trained outside the house. Each theory has weaknesses, hence studying criticism within them, be it utility, scope, parsimony, etc. So in a way, no theory is ever truly solving or explaining human behavior. But does that mean the theories aren't useful?

We know the world isn't flat. But that theory led to exploration.

Every theory is useful to look at, even if it is wrong. "But Alex, what use could we possibly get out of a wrong theory?" Critical thinking skills. Every theory is a creative way to try and understand the world around us, or for our purposes, human behavior and communicative patterns. The beauty of theories isn't in the answers they provide, but in the means of getting there. Sometimes theories are wrong, but as Bill Gates once said, "It's fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure." Every student should be able to look at a theory and find its holes, but they should also be able to use the theory as a learning tool - a new approach on looking at the world.

Every theory gives us a new way to think.

So yes, I do believe these theories are doing what they set out to do, as long as they understand their own limitations. And I do believe theories should be taught and studied, as long as they're appreciated for their means rather than their ends. As the new century progresses, critical thinking skills are going out the window. Hopefully one day the right people will figure out how to improve our education to bring it back.