Hello. I've been using the following definition of the word 'theory'
for a year now in my academic papers and I would like to find its
source. I first learned this def. in a sociology class last year, but
I would like to find out if there is a reference I can use other then
my professor. Anyway here is the def:

"Theory: a logically consistent argument or linguistic framework that
when invoked imposes meaning on observation."

I'm looking for a social or political philosopher(s) who give a
definition of 'theory' that is close to the previous def. Thanks.

Hello cybibiza-ga,

I believe the theory you’re searching for is called Constructivism. It
is a learning theory based which holds that learning is an active
process by which the learner constructs hypotheses, forms theories and
makes decisions based on observations and already known cognitive data
and in the process creates meaning.

http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~mryder/itc_data/constructivism.html
Constructivism
This is a collection of links from the University of Denver including
several versions of the definition of the theory.

http://www.funderstanding.com/about_learning.cfm
Learning Theories
You can use this site to explore about a dozen theories, including
Constructivism.

http://www.univie.ac.at/constructivism/index.html
http://www.univie.ac.at/constructivism/intro.html
Radical Constructivism
This is a portal site for all things related to this topic.
What is Radical Constructivism
and Who Are Its Proponents?
The notion "radical constructivism" (RC) was coined by Ernst von
Glasersfeld in 1974 in order to emphasize that from an epistemological
perspective any constructivism has to be complete (or "radical") in
order not to relapse into some kind of fancy realism. The basic tenet
of RC is that any kind of knowledge is constructed rather than
perceived through senses.

You may find the following resources useful for continuing your
exploration of theories.

http://www.pscw.uva.nl/sociosite/TOPICS/theory.html
Sociological Theories and Perspectives

http://www.mcmaster.ca/socscidocs/w3virtsoclib/theories.htm
WWW Virtual Library: Sociology -- Sociological Theory and Theorists

There are several reference books that might also be useful and are
available in most libraries.

A World of Ideas: A Dictionary of Important Theories, Concepts,
Beliefs, and Thinkers
by Chris Rohmann

Dictionary of Theories
by Jennifer Bothamley (Author)

Dictionary of Theories, Laws, and Concepts in Psychology
by Jon E. Roeckelein

I hope this ends your search and helps you put a name to the
definition you’ve been using.

czh

Dear student,
I suggest that you seek to understand your definition of theory and
how it frames your understanding of the process of academic inquiry.
This is far more important than having a source for a definition that
suits you.
I would also shy away from "dictionary" definitions of anything you
wish to discuss in an academic context. Profs don't want you to
present as "reality" a dictionary/encyclopedic definition of anything
- rather they want you to pick from among several options and
defend/justify your choice. There is (usually) no "right" way to do
anything in the social sciences and as such most profs will not
respond well to anyone attempting to present their version of the
"truth".
In addition, you may also want to look at sources that focus more on
the process of theory building rather than those who present a
definition of theory. You will learn about inductive and deductive
theory, about paradigms and the research cycle. This way you will be
better able to understand the implications of one definition of theory
over another. Here are my suggestions:

Making sense in the social sciences: A student's guide to research,
writing, and style. by Margot Northey & Lorne Tepperman. (1986, Oxford
University Press - Toronto)
Guide to methods for students of political science. by Steven van
Evera (1997, Cornell University Press)

Hopefully this comment is neither redundant nor patronizing. If it is 
confusing do not hesitate to bring your question and these subsequent
answers and comments to one of your professors. He or she will be able
to place them in a context most suitable to your level since I am not
sure whether you are an undergraduate (though that has been my
assumption) or graduate student.

Good luck,
poliprofessor