Fringe theory

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Ideas that depart significantly from the prevailing or mainstream view in their respective fields

Fringe theory refers to an idea or viewpoint that significantly departs from the prevailing or mainstream view in its respective field. These theories often challenge established scientific consensus and are typically not supported by robust evidence. Fringe theories can be found in various disciplines, including science, history, medicine, and sociology.

Characteristics

Fringe theories often share several common characteristics:

• **Lack of empirical evidence**: They are usually not supported by substantial or credible scientific evidence.
• **Rejection by the scientific community**: These theories are often dismissed by experts in the field.
• **Appeal to conspiracy**: Proponents may claim that their ideas are being suppressed by mainstream institutions.
• **Pseudoscience**: Many fringe theories are considered pseudoscientific because they do not adhere to the scientific method.

Examples

Fringe theories can be found in various domains:

Science

• Flat Earth: The belief that the Earth is flat rather than an oblate spheroid.
• Creationism: The belief that the universe and life originated from specific acts of divine creation, as opposed to the scientific consensus of natural processes such as evolution.

History

• Ancient astronauts: The hypothesis that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in ancient times and influenced human civilization.
• Atlantis: The belief in the existence of a lost advanced civilization that sank into the ocean.

Medicine

• Homeopathy: A system of alternative medicine based on the principle of treating "like with like," which lacks scientific support.
• Anti-vaccination movement: The belief that vaccines are harmful and cause more harm than benefits, contrary to overwhelming scientific evidence.

Sociology

• Racial superiority theories: The belief that certain races are inherently superior to others, which is widely discredited and considered pseudoscientific.

Reception

Fringe theories are generally met with skepticism and criticism from the scientific community. They are often seen as lacking in methodological rigor and empirical support. In some cases, fringe theories can be harmful, particularly when they influence public health decisions or propagate misinformation.

See also

• Pseudoscience
• Conspiracy theory
• Scientific method
• Critical thinking

References

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