rewebster

Would you consider that to be sufficient evidence? Well, it could be evidence. --just like the string theory could be viable.

That seems higher up on the 'new' theory level--- I would think that fundamental or foundational theoretic ideas would be more basic to a new theory. What would a new fundamental theory need to address? double slit? dual properties of magnetism? explanation of the wave/particle problem? the strong force? To me, these are four---what else would have to be explained?

Whether or not any of the theories are completely right or not, it seems, a lot of people still want to build a better mousetrap. Still, a theory that works to solve most problems is better than one that doesn't. To me, it seems that the knowledge that 'something isn't right' about the why and what of how things work has got quite a few more working on the problem ( and even the "non-professionals" ). I like reading other theories. They're interesting even up to the point where I say, 'whoa---THAT doesn't make sense!' I like your ideology on this. One facet I see is that the ST has grown with so many add-ons over the years, some of those add-ons being accepted more than others, that even when someone comes up with an idea, it is more than likely that one or more facets of their 'new' theory is confronted by one of the add-ons (like explanations for the red shift and, even the sub-sets of shifts) e.g. Most new theories/hypotheses seems overly generalized to have any seriousness given to them. Everyone has a theory of their own, don't they?--(you can use 'you'--I'll take it personally:rolleyes: )

I've read this thread three times now, and find it very interesting in the presentation of some of the basic questions that people present when thinking about 'new' theories and hypotheses. Severian--you seem to be more open minded than most as to the importance of new ideas and the measure which they must reach before even being considered as plausible.-- -For a start, was there something that inspired you to start this thread?