theory

theory n.  The consensus, idea, plan, story, or set of rules
   that is currently being used to inform a behavior.  This usage is a
   generalization and (deliberate) abuse of the technical meaning.
   "What's the theory on fixing this TECO loss?"  "What's the
   theory on dinner tonight?"  ("Chinatown, I guess.")  "What's
   the current theory on letting lusers on during the day?"  "The
   theory behind this change is to fix the following well-known
   screw...."