What are the basic building blocks of theories called?

The basic building blocks of theories are called concepts. Concepts serve as the fundamental elements that help define and describe phenomena within a theoretical framework. They provide a way to categorize and organize knowledge, making it easier to understand complex ideas. For example, in nursing theory, concepts might include health, illness, caring, and patient autonomy.

Theories utilize these concepts to formulate more comprehensive explanations or predictions about various aspects of healthcare and nursing practice. By understanding and applying these concepts, nurses can better analyze situations and improve patient care by using a theoretical lens to guide their practices.

In contrast, terms like theorems, principles, and propositions represent different elements within the structure of a theory or a specific way to express ideas but are not the foundational elements themselves. Theorems typically relate to proven statements in mathematics or logic, principles can refer to broader rules or guidelines derived from theories, and propositions denote specific statements or claims made within the context of a theory.