Gradowski, Laura (2026) Fringe Theories. UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

The term ‘fringe’ is often used to disparage or dismiss a theory as unserious, or obviously false. By contrast, this paper outlines an account that is neutral about the epistemic status of fringe theories. Historical precedent suggests that intolerance towards fringe theories can even be epistemically harmful to science itself. Several theories across the sciences were initially ridiculed and dismissed as fringe, delaying the uptake of groundbreaking research. The risks of tolerance towards fringe theories are considered, and the view that fringe theories are fundamental to the health of science is defended.

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Item Type:	Other
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Gradowski, Laura laura.gradowski@gmail.com 0000-0003-3708-6584
Keywords:	fringe, mainstream, pseudoscience, demarcation, social epistemology, tolerance, scientific progress
Depositing User:	Dr. Laura Gradowski
Date Deposited:	11 May 2026 12:38
Last Modified:	11 May 2026 12:38
Item ID:	29550
Date:	9 May 2026
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/29550

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