Degrees of Theory

Theory can be many things.

At their most intense theories are prescriptive.

At their most basic they are observational.

In the former case one has predicted a phenomenon so well that one can reasonably create a doctrine or set of rules that will prescribe a course of action.

In the latter a phenomenon is so unpredictable that one is satisfied with simply observing it properly.

Observation is obviously a part of every theory.

Prescription and prediction is clearly not.

Understanding the many layers of theory is definitely important if we are going to grapple with Clausewitz.

The rough gradient of theory:

Observation

Identification of regularity

Generalization

Prediction

Prescription.

Those five things are generally a part of theorizing. But not every theory need follow them in that order.

Regularity is a tricky question, especially with human phenomena.

For in nature we simply identify regularity.

In humans we have the extra problem that we can not only identify regularity, we can also create regularity. Thus we must worry about mistaking habit (second nature) for (first) nature.

This problem of reflexivity and habit should make us tread lightly in the realm of human theory.

We don't want to make ourselves into simple abstract beings just for the sake of clear thinking.

Let experience overrun the theories, I say.

I owe so much to William James and Henri Bergson right now. Thanks.