= Principle theory
A physical theory organized around general empirical constraints on admissible processes, rather than a specified microscopic mechanism. <Albert Einstein> used <thermodynamics> and <special relativity> as examples. This classification concerns the explanatory strategy; a <principle theory> can constrain possible <constructive theories>.<What Is the Theory of Relativity? by Albert Einstein>[1919 discussion of constructive theories and principle-theories]{ref}
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