How to challenge a well established theory?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of proposing a new theoretical framework that contradicts established theories in physics, specifically the Carnot theorem. Participants explore the platforms available for publishing such theories and the requirements for gaining acceptance in the scientific community.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on suitable platforms for publishing a theoretical paper that contradicts the Carnot theorem, expressing frustration with traditional journals that favor experimental work.
  • Another participant argues that without experimental support, a conjecture cannot be considered a theory, suggesting that reputable journals will not accept purely theoretical claims.
  • A later reply questions whether experimental support is needed for the assumptions or for the consequences of the proposed theory.
  • Some participants reference the challenges faced by scientific dissenters, noting that established theories often resist new ideas, and suggest strategies for gaining recognition.
  • One participant cites an article emphasizing the importance of peer-reviewed journals in balancing scientific progress and conservatism in the field.
  • Another participant claims that their proposed theory, which involves an increase in the universe's entropy, is serious and feasible, but acknowledges material limitations in its construction.
  • Several participants provide lists of journals that have published theoretical articles related to the Carnot engine, suggesting avenues for submission.
  • There is a suggestion that the proposed theory may resemble a perpetual motion machine, which raises concerns about its validity in light of established physical laws.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for presenting ideas in a conventional scientific format to increase the chances of publication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of experimental support for theoretical claims. While some assert that experimental validation is essential, others suggest that theoretical contributions can still be valuable. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the feasibility and acceptance of the proposed theory.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the limitations of traditional publishing avenues for theoretical work and the potential biases against unconventional ideas in the scientific community. There is also mention of the need for adherence to established scientific conventions in writing and presenting new theories.

  • #31
NileQueen said:
Referring to an informational post as "garbage".

I refer to the reference as "garbage" because it really has nothing to do with the OP! And not only that, I've countered it sufficiently with Dan Koshland's article.

Not understanding the concept of paradigm shifts

I understand paradigm shift very well! I've seen it first hand. If you don't think the discovery of High-Tc superconductivity was a paradigm shift, then you don't know physics.

Calling the original poster a crackpot, without even knowing
anything about his "theory". He is just asking for advice.
What kind of mentoring is that? It's NOT.

You need to pay attention to what you read. This is EXACTLY what I said:

ZapperZ said:
you are exhibiting the same symptoms of a crackpot

I called no one a crackpot. I pointed out similar characteristics of a crackpot. I even gave a link where others have also encountered similar traits.

It is my personal experience, having been on the 'net since 1987, that people who can't even figure out what journals are what, and suddenly claim to have discovered the next best thing since sliced cheese, 100% of the time have such characteristics. The number of years I've been on this forum only reinforced such a view, because I haven't seen anything to the contrary to change my mind.

Zz.
 
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  • #32
abhijitp88 said:
hi all, thank u for all the responses, this theory I am proposing is serious and in the system that is proposed, the entropy of the universe increases, so the system is totally possible. The only obstacle in the actual construction is the availability of suitable materials. If this theory is published, then research would lead us to an actual working system eventually. I have sent the abstracts to the popular journals. Most of them aren't commenting anything. If anyone is aware of theoretical journals that publish such papers, then pls help me out here.

So this is a system you can build, but you don't have the suitable materials.

Perhaps what I'm working on is something similar. It's an energy storage device which almost completely circumvents the second law of thermodynamics. Though I wouldn't characterize it as contradicting anything. Carnot still comes into play, but just barely. Kind of like a spring, only with a much better energy/kg ratio. (no magnets involved!)

I've not submitted a paper as it is much too simple a device, and I'll simply just patent it.

What kind of suitable materials does you system require? Or would letting us know that divulge too much of your secret?
 
  • #33
abhijitp88 said:
Hi all, need some help here. If I wish to contradict a well established theory in physics (namely the Carnot theorem), then what would be a suitable platform? I've tried a few journals but most of those publish experimental papers & won't accept my paper because it’s theoretical. Pls suggest a suitable platform (journals, conferences etc.) where new theories can be forwarded for scientific criticism. Thanks in advance.

Why does the Carnot theorem need to be changed?? Why do you think it does not accurately describe reality?? Remember, that question needs to be answered with experimental data. Some philosophical explanation is not sufficient.
 
  • #34
I don't mean to derail this thread more than it already has, but why is it everyone immediately jumped to the idea of a perpetual motion machine? The OP never made such a claim and divulged no information about the details of his hypothesis. For all we know, his idea mandates an even lower limit to the amount of energy a thermal engine may be allowed to convert. Has the scientific community really become that aporetic to new ideas?
 
  • #35
This thread should have been put to rest long before. OP got his answer in 8th posts or so.
 
  • #36
Here are some options:

International Journal of Thermal Sciences
http://www.journals.elsevier.com/international-journal-of-thermal-sciences/

Springer
Journal of Thermal Science
International Journal of Thermophysics

http://www.epower-propulsion.com/epower/pages/j_midpages/int_j_thermal_sci.htm
International Journal of Thermal Sciences
International Journal of Thermophysics

List of scientific/academic publishers
http://www.epower-propulsion.com/epower/pages/EPowerpublishers.htm
 

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