There is a perceived tension between theory and practice, and between theorists and practitioners. In this talk, we will propose and illustrate using a practical example that practice generates data and theory is the data which we care about. Rather than focusing on theory over practice or practice over theory, a choice of theory, practice, or both is driven by the data needed for a particular task and contextual factors.

1. Theoreticus Prime vs Praktikertron
Sneha Bhat and James Thomas
CEWT 5
2018-01-28

2. Anonymous
Yogi Berra
In theory, there is no difference between
theory and practice. But, in practice, there is.
Theory is when you know everything but nothing
works. Practice is when everything works but no
one knows why. In our lab, theory and practice are
combined: nothing works and no one knows why.

3. THEORY PRACTICE

4. Screw it! Let’s do it!
Without theory, experience has no meaning. Without theory, one
has no questions to ask. Hence without theory, there is no
learning.
Hypothesis!
Test!
Theory!

5. Got what I need?
Yes? We’re done!
No? Get to work!
PRACTICE

9. Data Sharing
Data Gathering
(physical)
Theory guided
practice
Data Gathering
(theory)
Expertise
Intuition
Experience
Tacit knowledge
Community of practice

11. Not “theory or practice?” …
… but rather “what data do I need?”

12. Selected References
• Deming: https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Economics-Industry-Government-
Education/dp/0262541165
• Berra, Anonymous: http://wiki.c2.com/?QuotesOnTheoryVsPractice
• Branson: https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/books/screw-it-lets-do-it
• Transformer images: https://clipartion.com/free-clipart-transformers-clip-art
• Transformer coins: http://worldmintcoins.com/2011-australian-coins/transformers-australian-
silver-proof-coins
• Timer: https://i.makeagif.com/media/10-22-2014/xLHyPA.gif