theorem |
Working Definition:
a theorem is a warranting proposition used to justify a research project or program. A set of consistently related theorems referring to a field of study is often called a theory.
Any theory is an aggregate of "disposable," ad hoc theorems that are not systematically inter-related as a logically consistent theory. Since communication is a cultural practice it changes from situation to situation, culture to culture, and time to time. Hence, it would be inappropriate to develop a fixed, universalized theory of communication.
Disciplinary Definitions:
Since I coined the term, there is no disciplinary definition other than mine.
Like James Paul Gee, I believe that “a research method is made up essentially of various ‘tools of inquiry’ and strategies for applying them” (An Introduction to Discourse Analysis, 5). From this point of view, analytical concepts are “tools of inquiry.”
“Since the word "method" so triggers in our minds ideas of a "step-by-step" set of "rules" to follow, I want to stress, once again, in closing, that that is not what "method" means here. Rather, it means sets of "thinking devices" with which one can investigate certain sorts of questions, with due regard for how others have investigated such questions, but with adaptation, innovation, and creativity, as well. "Validity" is communal: if you take risks and make mistakes, your colleagues will help you clean up the mess – that's what they're for. The quality of research often resides in how fruitful our mistakes are, that is, in whether they open up paths that others can then make more progress on than we have.” (9)
As Gee recognizes, the tools “defined” in the context of the analysis a particular situated discourse usually need to be “transformed” or “abandoned” in the analysis of a differently situated discourse.
Comments:
Models are made up of inter-related concepts. The relation among specific concepts within a model are "theorems." They are, so to speak, the structures shaped by concepts that form the conceptual architecture (model) we call a theory. In my view, concepts, and therefore, theorems are constantly under revision. The theoretical model is not thereby torn down and rebuilt from scratch. Rather it is re-modelled. In this sense, theroems are "disposable" in the way that any structure in a building can be replaced with a "newer" one. Or, in some cases, the older structure is reinstated.
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last revised:
June 13, 2007
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