As with anything in science, theories abound. A theory, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena. There are very few things that can be considered as fact in the paranormal research arena. Most things are hypotheses as opposed to theory. Merriuam-Webster tells us that a hypothesis is a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences. What is the difference?

A theory is something that is generally accepted in order to explain how something works. Let's use the theory of gravity as an example. Gravity is not fact but it sure feels like fact when you fall down the stairs. The theory of gravity is accepted as a plausible explanation for the observed effect of falling objects.

A hypothesis is a set of assumptions made in order to guide an experiment. We design experiments around hypotheses just as Galileo designed his experiment of dropping balls from the Tower of Pisa. Sir Isaac Newton furthered Galileo's work in Principia, introducing the theory of the laws of gravity.

So, how much of paranormal research is theory and how much is simply hypothesis?

Well, that depends on who you ask. There are hundreds of points for research and hundreds of theories, hypotheses and speculations for each point. The theories and hypothesis we will discuss here are our version and we hope you remain open to other possible explanations for the events covered here.

Click on the theories to the left and explore. Feel free to consider alternatives.