Are theories invented or discovered

[j6p]

I'm specifically thinking of relativity and quantum mechanics. Are they human inventions or are they absolute truths independent on the existence of humans

[Saru]

I suppose you can look at it by comparing humans with an intelligent race that evolved elsewhere in the universe. Since the fundamental principles of physics are prevelant throughout the universe, then another race should be able to develop the same theories as we have, or at least, an equivalent that follows their interpretation of physics.

So I think theories such as the two you mentioned, are probably 'discovered' and not 'invented'. General Relativity for example, is not a human only invention, but something that could be independantly 'discovered' by any number of races who understand the principles behind it.

[Althalus]

It seems to me that many theories are discovered by the new inventions that come along, the more advanced we get technologically then the more clearer these theories become, and so we can then alter already known ones or come up with a new hypothesis to fit the discovery.