"Theory not only formulates what we know but also tells us what we want to know, that is, the questions to which an answer is needed"

Theory operates as both a map of what is already understood and a compass pointing toward unexplored knowledge. It systematizes observed facts, connecting them with principles and propositions, articulating the frameworks through which reality is interpreted. By doing so, theory organizes the vast array of data and experiences into a coherent schema, clarifying what is known within a given field or discipline. Its function goes beyond mere description: theory synthesizes evidence, aligns disparate findings, and elevates particular facts into wider generalizations, thus shaping collective understanding.

At the same time, theory is inherently dynamic, projecting future lines of inquiry. It raises pressing questions that emerge from its own internal logic and from the limitations and gaps it exposes. Through theoretical reflection, scholars become aware not only of what is established but also of what remains unresolved or ambiguous. Theory thus acts as a catalyst for curiosity. It frames certain puzzles as significant, prioritizes areas investigating, and refines the kinds of questions considered valuable or legitimate. As such, it guides scientific and scholarly agendas, determining the directions in which further research should proceed.

Furthermore, theory serves a normative function by delineating which unknowns matter and why. It constructs categories of relevance, foregrounding some possibilities while implicitly bracket others, thereby sculpting the intellectual landscape. Researchers rely on theory to anchor their hypotheses and to propose new ones; theory’s orientation helps them identify meaningful phenomena for exploration. This dual character, both as foundation and as frontier, ensures that knowledge advances not haphazardly but along pathways illuminated by theoretical insights. The continuous dialectic between what is known and what is still sought after lies at the core of progress in any scientific or intellectual inquiry, demonstrating the indispensable role theory plays in both crystallizing current understanding and inspiring the pursuit of further knowledge.