Where do I go to discuss scientific theories?

[NotKepler]

I want to casually discuss possible scientific theories but it seems like all forums prohibit that type of discussion...

 

[phinds]

Where do I go to post theories?

The problem with forums that allow open discussion of personal theories is that they attract crackpots like pizza attracts me. Threads degenerate to meaninglessness. It was tried once here and it was a disaster. You can likely poke around and find a forum but you likely won't be happy with the results. Why would you not want to just learn actual science?

 

[NotKepler]

The problem with forums that allow open discussion of personal theories is that they attract crackpots like pizza attracts me. Threads degenerate to meaninglessness. It was tried once here and it was a disaster. You can likely poke around and find a forum but you likely won't be happy with the results. Why would you not want to just learn actual science?

All "actual science" comes from theories... I understand the there are crackpots; however, it would be fun to have an intellectual conversation about differing theories.

 

[BWV]

If you don't understand what a scientific theory is (and your post indicates you do not) why would anyone want to listen to you?

 

[russ_watters]

All "actual science" comes from theories... I understand the there are crackpots; however, it would be fun to have an intellectual conversation about differing theories.

Just to clarify, what - or who's - "theories" are you referring to? For example, we can debate the merits of Newton's theory of gravity vs General Relativity here. You're not talking about your own ideas, are you?

 

[NotKepler]

Just to clarify, what - or who's - "theories" are you referring to? For example, we can debate the merits of Newton's theory of gravity vs General Relativity here. You're not talking about your own ideas, are you?

No I am not talking about my own theories.

 

[russ_watters]

When did I ever mention scientific theories in my original post?

You said this in the OP:

I want to casually discuss possible theories...

If not scientific theories, what type of theories are you referring to? Perhaps more to the point, why would you even want to discuss non-scientific "theories" on a science site? It doesn't seem like the right place.

No I am not talking about my own theories.

So who's theories/what theories are you referring to?

... it seems like all forums prohibit that type of discussion...

That really isn't true. There are lots of forums that let you discuss nearly anything.

This thread is very confusing.

 

[ZapperZ]

No I am not talking about my own theories.

Regardless of whose theories you are referring to, did you not understand what you read in the PF Guidelines?

Zz.

 

[NotKepler]

You said this in the OP:

If not scientific theories, what type of theories are you referring to. Perhaps more to the point, why would you even want to discuss non-scientific "theories" on a science site? It doesn't seem like the right place.

So who's theories/what theories are you referring to?

This thread is very confusing.

I apologize for the confusion.
I am looking for a place to casually discuss scientific theories. I understand that personal theories without the proper research is not allowed on this forum.

 

[russ_watters]

I am looking for a place to casually discuss scientific theories. I understand that personal theories without the proper research is not allowed on this forum.

Great! PF is a great place for discussion of scientific theories, to whatever level of depth you desire (even casual)!

 

[NotKepler]

Great! PF is a great place for discussion of scientific theories, to whatever level of depth you desire (even casual)!

What exact forum?

 

[phinds]

What exact forum?

Depends on the theory.

 

[russ_watters]

What exact forum?

Whichever forum is appropriate for the particular theory. For example, if you want to discuss General or Special Relativity, you would start a thread in the Special and General Relativity Forum. If you want to debate the merits of GR vs Newton's theory of gravity, you can either use the SR/GR Forum or the Classical Physics forum (Newton's gravity is a classical physics theory). Etc.

 

[NotKepler]

Whichever forum is appropriate for the particular theory. For example, if you want to discuss General or Special Relativity, you would start a thread in the Special and General Relativity Forum. If you want to debate the merits of GR vs Newton's theory of gravity, you can either use the SR/GR Forum or the Classical Physics forum (Newton's gravity is a classical physics theory). Etc.

Thank you so much,
The help is appreciated!

-Tim

 

[NotKepler]

Depends on the theory.

Thank you!

-Tim

 

[russ_watters]

Thank you so much,
The help is appreciated!

-Tim

You're welcome! Though if I may make a suggestion, after looking briefly through some previous posts of yours that may have motivated you to start this thread, it occurs to me that you may not know what the word "theory" means. Please read up on the Scientific Method and make sure you are only trying to discuss actual scientific theories, not random ideas that aren't theories.

For example, you previously had a thread locked where you asked to discuss the "theory" that we are living in a simulation. But there is no such theory, there is only an hypothesis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation_hypothesis

 

[NotKepler]

You're welcome! Though if I may make a suggestion, after looking briefly through some previous posts of yours that may have motivated you to start this thread, it occurs to me that you may not know what the word "theory" means. Please read up on the Scientific Method and make sure you are only trying to discuss actual scientific theories, not random ideas that aren't theories.

For example, you previously had a thread locked where you asked to discuss the "theory" that we are living in a simulation. But there is no such theory, there is only an hypothesis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation_hypothesis

Ah yes, that is where I learned that personal theories without proper research are not allowed here :)

 

[bazza]

The problem with forums that allow open discussion of personal theories is that they attract crackpots like pizza attracts me. Threads degenerate to meaninglessness. It was tried once here and it was a disaster. You can likely poke around and find a forum but you likely won't be happy with the results. Why would you not want to just learn actual science?

I understand what you say, but some times those seeking answers are full of new ideas that might spring from personal experience. It is sad and true what you say, but we must not stop trying, that's the only way forward.

 

[ZapperZ]

I understand what you say, but some times those seeking answers are full of new ideas that might spring from personal experience. It is sad and true what you say, but we must not stop trying, that's the only way forward.

https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...y-forum-like-we-need-a-computer-virus.765736/

Zz.

 

[phinds]

I understand what you say, but some times those seeking answers are full of new ideas that might spring from personal experience. It is sad and true what you say, but we must not stop trying, that's the only way forward.

It sounds like you are missing the point. "not stop trying" WHAT? Going to crackpot forums just means you have decided to not stop trying to listen to nonsense. Perhaps I'm misinterpreting you?

 

[berkeman]

I am looking for a place to casually discuss scientific theories. I understand that personal theories without the proper research is not allowed on this forum.

So as already suggested, as long as the theory that you would like to discuss has been published in peer-reviewed science journals or mainstream textbooks, it should be appropriate for you to start a thread in the matching PF forum. It always works best if you post links to the reading you have been doing, to help us see what the sources are, and at what level you have been doing your reading.

For less mainstream theories that you would like to discuss, you can look to your local science education resources. Your Profile page says that you are currently in high school. Does your school have a Physics Club? If so, you could join and find out what kinds of things they like to do and discuss. And they likely have an advisor who is a science teacher, who should be open to basic questions about what makes a good theory and what is mainstream and what is not.

You could also consider taking some community college introductory physics classes while you are in high school. Often they can be used later for partial university credit, and you will again get access to a lot of science students and instructors.