The dependence of scientific observation, description or interpretation on background concepts and assumptions. Dependence on some theory is weaker than dependence on the truth of the particular theory being tested.
Articles by others on the same topic
Theory-ladenness is a concept in the philosophy of science that suggests that our observations and interpretations of empirical data are influenced by the theories, beliefs, and background knowledge we hold. This means that what we see and how we interpret it is not purely objective but is shaped by the theoretical frameworks and conceptual understandings we bring to our observations. The term was popularized by the philosopher of science Norwood Russell Hanson in the 1950s.