Crossword Genius

Abstract viewpoint those people held about serving men (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

theory

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'abstract viewpoint' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'those people held about serving men' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'men' could be 'or' (military abbreviation for Other Ranks) and 'or' is found in the answer.
'those' could be 'they' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'they' is present in the remaining letters.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for theory that I've seen before include "Idea formulated to explain something" , "Opinion or supposition to explain something" , "Guess" , "Supposition, set of ideas" , "Set of principles on which practice is based" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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