Fringe science

Fringe science is a phrase used to describe scientific inquiry in an established field that departs significantly from mainstream or orthodox theories. This science typically includes paranormal topics with an assumed or alleged connection to science, such as mind control, ESP (or its newer term, remote viewing), ghosts, and so on

Why should I be aware of this?

Though fringe science is seen by most scientists as unlikely but not irrational, many of today's most widely-held theories had their origins as fringe science (see note below). There is widespread disagreement about what constitutes legitimate fringe science. Traditionally, the term "fringe science" is generally used to describe unusual or fantastic theories that have their basis in some established scientific principle, and which are advocated by a published (or somehow recognized) mainstream scientist.

All about fringe science

Unlike pseudo-science, fringe science is based on established science, but explores and studies areas at the very boundaries. It is also often poorly funded and under-resourced. Fringe science may at times look direction-less, but occasionally a branch blossoms into a fully established field, and may even bring about a paradigm shift.

Mainstream scientists look at fringe science with immense suspicion. Those who possess the courage to explore the fringe sciences nowadays with an open mind will unearth that the very purpose of fringe science is in transition right now.

Rational but unlikely

Fringe science, unlike pseudoscience, is seen by most scientists as rational but unlikely. There may be lack of scientific consensus on fringe science for different reasons, Its acceptance is largely been based on the quality of the discoveries made by that science.

Fringe science can be distinguished from some similar-sounding, but pejorative in nature, categories as follows:

• Pseudoscience - Pseudoscience is notoriously lax in rigorous application of the scientific method. Reproducibility is typically a problem. This is not so in fringe science.
• Junk science - Junk science is used to describe agenda-driven research that ignores certain standard methodologies and practices in an attempt to secure a given result from an experiment. Fringe science, as in standard methodology, proceeds from theory to conclusion with no attempt to direct or coax the result.
• Science FictionVery often on the leading edge of thought and ideas with science following up with the theories and mechanics to realize the fiction. Buck Rogers in the thirties had a telecommunication wrist device and we now have small cell phones not mentioning Personal digital assistants PDA's

Fringe scientists

Sometimes fringe scientists seek to overturn a major theory in traditional science, while some others are seeking to add different methods and perspectives to traditional science. Fringe scientists have trouble breaking into the mainstream because they often do not have the same background and training as traditional scientists.

Gaining mainstream scientists to support fringe scientists may be difficult because their ideas may violate a fundamentally accepted concept with no experimental evidence. Fringe science has a tendency to be theoretical with an objective to explain observed phenomena with a single all-encompassing, alternative concept.

Note Flat Earth Theory [1] Those who theorized that the earth was much closer to round met with strong opposition and were considered fringe and heretics. This is an issue about exploring ideas that "may violate a fundamentally accepted concept" Imperial science and data are collected within this time and space therefore any data, theory, material that is not consistent with that is suspect with some that support conventional thoughts, ideas and theories

References:

• Fringe Science and the Secretive Project Stargate
• Fringe science