Defines theory and the role of theory in envisioning new worlds, making things, and critiquing practice, and discusses theory and practice in information technology (IT). Highlights inappropriate uses of theory (superficiality, elitism, ivory tower syndrome, provincialism, muddled thinking, anti-intellectualism), and emphasizes superficiality and provincialism. Compares theory and theorizing about IT from scientific and postmodern viewpoints. (PEN)