Which aspect of a theory explains its underlying 'why'?

The concept of explaining the underlying 'why' of a theory is best captured by the notion of principles. Principles offer fundamental concepts or truths that guide our understanding of phenomena, helping to elucidate the reasons behind observed behaviors. In scientific theories, principles often reflect the foundational ideas that inform why certain laws or statements hold true in various contexts.

While laws are based on consistent observations and describe what happens under specific conditions, they do not inherently explain the reasons behind those occurrences. Statements generally refer to declared facts or observations and lack the depth needed for explanation. Falsifiability is a criterion that assesses whether a theory can be proven wrong under certain conditions, but it does not directly address the explanatory power of a theory.

Thus, the aspect that effectively explains the underlying 'why' within a theory is best represented by the principles that form the foundation of our understanding.