Theoretical physics

Theoretical physics is physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions rather than experimental processes. Theoretical physics attempts to understand the natural world by making a model of reality, used for rationalizing, explaining, and predicting physical phenomena in what are called "physical theories". There are three types of theories in physics: mainstream theories, proposed theories and fringe theories.

Fringe theories

Fringe theories include any new area of scientific endeavor in the process of becoming established and some proposed theories. It can include speculative sciences. This includes physics fields and physical theories presented in accordance with known evidence, and a body of associated predictions have been made according to that theory.

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Some fringe theories go on to become an widely accepted part of physics. Other fringe theories end up being disproven. Some fringe theories are a form of protoscience and others are a form of pseudoscience. The falsification of the original theory sometimes leads to reformulation of the theory.

Related Topics:
Protoscience - Pseudoscience

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Examples

• Cold fusion*
• Dynamic theory of gravity
• Grand unification theory*
• Loop quantum gravity*
• Luminiferous aether
• Steady state theory
• Theory of everything*

* These theories are both proposed and fringe theories.

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