How long can a scientist's imagination go before a theory has to be thrown out?

Question

Is there a limit or a line that can't be crossed or can a scientist simply not be allowed to imagine to make a scientific theory such as, you know....

Answer 1

When I hear a respected scientist like Hawking say that there are an infinite number of universes, there is apparently too much latitude for the imagination.

Answer 2

A scientific theory has little to do with one's imagination. A theory in the context of science is not just an idea. If a scientist says, "I think there are giant whales swimming in Titan's methane lakes." that doesn't mean it's a theory in the scientific sense. It's just a lame-a** idea at that point. :)

In the world of astronomy (because, hey, that's what the topic is here), theories are mathematically and/or observationally supported notions of the nature of the universe, from the very large to the very small. Theories are either well-supported or not. The Big Bang Theory is very well-supported. The existence of extra-solar planets and black holes are very well-supported theories. So much so that they are commonly accepted as fact. No one has ever observed a planet outside our solar system. Only the affects that a planet might have on its host star have been observed... things that strongly support the planet's existence.

Answer 3

Unless the scientist is extremely famous, they can't go anywhere. Other scientists won't listen to them unless they can back up their theory with data and rigorous analysis. That's why science is successful. It only admits things that can be proven correct (or at least correct enough to be useful).

For example, Einstein used his imagination to figure out relativity. But then he published a rigorous mathematical proof of the theory. It is the published paper, not Einstein simply walking up to people and telling them that their understanding of physics was wrong, that made Einstein one of the most respected scientists of all-time.

Answer 4

A scientific theory is valid as long as it fits the known facts. As soon as a new fact is known that doesn't fit the theory, we need a new one.

Scientific imagination has nothing to do with it.

Answer 5

In science, if you're hearing about it, it was published - so it's not imagination but backed up by either math and/or observation. Multiple universes are backed up by the math. But we can't observe that. String theory is backed up by math and will be testable soon.

Answer 6

As long as valid science fits the hypothesis

if the science doesnt validate the hypothesis,then it needs to be discarded.