Why is it unfair or meaningless to criticize a theory as “unrealistic?”

The primary goal of a theory is to explain and predict patterns or phenomena in the real world. A theory should be logically consistent, provide a simplified representation of complex reality, and be supported by empirical evidence. Criticizing a theory as "unrealistic" misses the point that the objective of a theory is not to be a perfect replica of reality but rather to help us understand and explain reality in a simplified and coherent manner.

Theories often rely on simplifying assumptions to make them manageable and tractable. These assumptions allow researchers to focus on specific aspects of a phenomenon and draw conclusions about their impact. It is important to understand that these assumptions are not meant to perfectly represent reality, but instead, provide a simplified version to help identify key relationships and mechanisms. Therefore, criticizing a theory as "unrealistic" because of its simplifying assumptions disregards the necessary process of abstraction and simplification inherent in theoretical modeling.

The value of a theory lies in its ability to predict and explain real-world phenomena. If a theory can successfully do this, even with simplifying assumptions, then it has met its primary objective. Criticizing a theory as "unrealistic" without considering its predictive power and explanatory potential overlooks the main criteria by which we should judge the effectiveness of a theory.

Theories evolve over time, as researchers develop new insights, gather more data, and refine their models. It is not expected that a single theory will cover all aspects of the real world perfectly. If a theory is criticized as "unrealistic" without acknowledging its strengths and possible improvements, it can hinder the development and refinement of the theory. Instead, constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement should be encouraged to further advance our understanding of the phenomena at hand. In conclusion, it is unfair and meaningless to criticize a theory as "unrealistic" because the objective of a theory is to provide a simplified understanding of complex reality, not to perfectly reproduce it. Critics should focus on the explanatory and predictive power of a theory rather than its lack of minute realism. Additionally, recognizing the role of simplifying assumptions and encouraging the development and refinement of theories is essential for our collective understanding to advance.