Scientific Pareidolia Theory

A more specific variant focusing on science's search for agents and designers. It highlights how science, in its quest to explain, often personifies nature: genes "want" to replicate, the universe "fine-tunes" itself, particles "choose" paths. This theory contends that these are metaphorical crutches—scientific pareidolia where we project a face of agency onto mathematical descriptions and blind forces, because a narrative with a quasi-agent is more comprehensible than sheer, impersonal process.

Scientific Pareidolia Theory Example: The concept of "selfish genes" is a prime target for Scientific Pareidolia Theory. The critic argues: "DNA molecules don't have desires. You're taking a chemical replication process and superimposing the face of a scheming, selfish little agent onto it because that story is catchy and fits a human social narrative. It's seeing a face in the molecular machinery."

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 6, 2026

Theory of Scientific Social Control

Analyzes how the authority of "Science" (as a cultural institution, not just the method) is invoked to legitimize and operationalize control. It involves using scientific language, research, and experts to justify social policies, pathologize dissent, and define what is "normal" or "optimal" human behavior, often obscuring ethical or political choices.

Theory of Scientific Social Control Example: Corporations using "productivity science" and "optimization studies" to justify constant employee monitoring software. They don't say "we don't trust you"; they say "data shows this maximizes efficiency." The authority of science legitimizes invasive control, framing it as a neutral, objective necessity rather than a power move to manage worker behavior.

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 7, 2026

Theory of Scientific Disputes

This theory frames conflicts in science not merely as searches for truth, but as strategic battles for legitimacy, authority, and resources. It examines how scientific disagreements are often shaped by competing paradigms, institutional loyalties, career ambitions, and access to funding, rather than purely by evidence. The "winner" shapes the dominant narrative.

Theory of Scientific Disputes Example: The fierce debate over the definition of a "planet" that led to Pluto's demotion. This wasn't just about icy rocks. It was a dispute between planetary scientists (who favored a broader definition) and dynamicists (who favored orbital characteristics). The struggle was over who gets to classify celestial bodies, control textbooks, and steer future research missions—a power struggle dressed in technical terms.

by Dumu The Void February 7, 2026

Theory of Scientific Struggles

A broader, more conflict-oriented view of scientific progress. It posits that major advances occur through protracted struggles between old and new worldviews, where the triumph of a new theory involves overturning entrenched power structures, reputations, and funding streams. Knowledge isn't just built—it's fought for.

Theory of Scientific Struggles Example: The decades-long struggle for the acceptance of plate tectonics. Early proponents like Alfred Wegener were ridiculed by the geological establishment, which was deeply invested in fixed-continent models. The new theory only won after a prolonged struggle involving new evidence (seafloor mapping) and a generational shift in scientists, overcoming immense institutional inertia.

by Dumu The Void February 7, 2026

Theory of Scientific Power

Analyzes science as a system of power, not just truth. It asks: Who has the authority to certify knowledge? Who controls the labs, journals, and grants? Scientific power is the ability to set research agendas, define legitimate methods, anoint experts, and declare what counts as a "fact" with real-world consequences.

Theory of Scientific Power Example: A pharmaceutical company funds dozens of clinical trials on its new drug. It exercises scientific power by strategically publishing only the favorable studies, influencing treatment guidelines through sponsored key opinion leaders, and shaping the entire medical consensus around its product, turning research into a tool for market dominance.

by Dumu The Void February 7, 2026

Theory of Scientific Monopoly

Examines when a single institution, theory, or methodology holds exclusive control over a field of knowledge, suppressing alternatives. This monopoly stifles innovation and dictates the "correct" way to inquire, punishing heresy with ex-communication from grants and publications.

Theory of Scientific Monopoly *Example: In the mid-20th century, behaviorism held a near-total monopoly in academic psychology. Research on internal mental states like cognition or emotion was dismissed as "unscientific." Grant agencies, journals, and tenure committees were dominated by behaviorists, effectively outlawing alternative approaches for a generation.*

by Dumu The Void February 7, 2026

Theory of Scientific Oligopolies

A situation where a small, entrenched group of elite institutions, journals, or research paradigms collectively control a field. They may compete amongst themselves, but they present a united front against outsiders, maintaining a closed system that determines whose work is credible and what questions are valuable.

Theory of Scientific Oligopolies Example: The "top five" journals in many social sciences. Publishing in them is essential for career success. This creates a scientific oligopoly where a small set of editorial boards, sharing similar methodological preferences, gatekeep the entire discipline, marginalizing innovative or heterodox research that doesn't fit their mold.

by Dumu The Void February 7, 2026