Kinda depends on the context of the word theory. In non-scientific settings you’ll hear people say “I have a theory…” as in they have an idea or speculation.
In a scientific context, a ‘theory’ is a pretty high standard that’s almost interchangeable with a ‘fact’.
Wouldn’t the hypothesis be first, then tested via experiment, then after a significant amount of peer review finally confirmed as a theory?
You can have a theory that is not corroborated by an empirical experiment.
Kinda depends on the context of the word theory. In non-scientific settings you’ll hear people say “I have a theory…” as in they have an idea or speculation.
In a scientific context, a ‘theory’ is a pretty high standard that’s almost interchangeable with a ‘fact’.