FRINGE
THEORY:
Ask an astrologer what transiting Mars square natal
Uranus and transiting Uranus square natal Mars in Aries
exact on the same day means. Unless the astrologer
practices Vedic or classical astrology, we can be almost
certain that the astrologer will mention accident proneness
or sudden changes.
Even
if astrology is fundamentally divinatory or psychological
in nature, astrologers
do make statements of an objective nature that
are measurable and amenable to scientific research.
I do
not think there is any way to skirt around this
fact. Even if the research studies must be large
and elaborate
in order to test astrological claims, the studies
can be conducted. Despite the many reasons that astrologers
give for the failure of astrology to be validated
through
research, the research could in theory be conducted.
This fact combined with the fact that there is
no solid scientific support for astrological ideas
nor is there
a solid theoretical basis for astrology are reasons
why astrology is deservedly considered at best
a fringe theory by academics. If astrologers accepted
the fringe
status of astrology and that there are many different
views of astrology even among astrologers, then
astrology would make a big step towards maturing
and developing
as a serious study. WHAT
IS "FRINGE THEORY"?
Fringe
theory is a term that is sometimes used in a derogatory
manner, but it need
not be. Many things
in nature have a Gaussian distribution and a Gaussian
distribution is not quite normal without 1% out on
in the tails. A critical analysis of fringe theories
is needed for several reasons:
(1)
Fringe theory may address anomalies or inconsistencies
in current
theory,
(2)
Fringe theory may introduce new insights,
(3)
Fringe theory may breed wild conspiracy theories,
foolish
ideas that are taken seriously by many
people, with
consequent negative social consequences.
A critical analysis of fringe theories helps
prevent
these negative
developments.
PROUD
TO BE FRINGE THEORIST:
Kepler
described the potential of fringe theory, specifically
astrology, in an extraordinarily
eloquent way:
“It
should not be considered unbelievable that one
can retrieve useful knowledge and sacred relics
from astrological
folly and godlessness. From this filthy mud
one can glean even an occasional escargot, oysters
or an eel
for one’s nutrition; in this enormous heap of
worm-castings there are silk-worms to be found; and,
finally, out of this foul-smelling dung-heap a diligent
hen can scratch up an occasional grain-seed — indeed,
even a pearl or a gold nugget.” Johnnes Kepler,
Tertius Interveniens
Amazingly,
400 years after Kepler made these statements, his
wisdom is still not fully
appreciated or understood.
If we keep digging, the pearls and nuggets will surface.
I believe that we are now well on our way to making
what we can subjectively perceive demonstrable, and
the pearls and gold are glorious indeed. We can be
proud to be fringe theorists.
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