[Aric2000]

Yes, indeed, but let's keep our verbage straight please.

This is a hypothesis, not a theory yet, once it is verified, falsified, repeatable etc, then it will be moved to theory status.

Again, I never said that it was not an interesting study, or worth pursuing, and if he wishes to use his scientific skills to pursue it, more power to him, but it is still outside the realms of science at this point, just as quantum mechanics once was, just as the theory of gravity once was, etc.

I never said that it wouldn't happen, I just don't think the chances are good, but I wish him luck all the same.

[unspun]

This is a hypothesis, not a theory yet, once it is verified, falsified, repeatable etc, then it will be moved to theory status.

Hear! Hear!

The same is true for any attempt of the process of validation/invalidation by the Scientific Method, in addressing things that are beyond our physical perception (including of course, "origins.").

Stands to reason that this subject matter would be (a-hem) difficult, since we are not allowed (or capable) to "put the Lord your God to the test."

[Alamo-Girl]

Er, if I may interrupt.

The conversation about speculation is quite interesting and perhaps ought to be a discussion topic of its own.

For instance, how do we distinguish scientific speculation (such as Hawking, Penrose, Tegmark and Ovrut do on a regular basis) - from non-scientific speculation (such as sci-fi writers do every day?)