The CRACKPOT Index
A simple method for rating potentially revolutionary contributions to
physics.
- A -5 point starting credit.
- 1 point for every statement that is widely agreed on to be false.
- 2 points for every statement that is clearly vacuous.
- 3 points for every statement that is logically inconsistent.
- 5 points for each such statement that is adhered to despite careful
correction.
- 5 points for using a thought experiment that contradicts the results
of a widely accepted real experiment.
- 5 points for each word in all capital letters (except for those
with defective keyboards).
- 10 points for each claim that quantum mechanics is fundamentally
misguided (without good evidence).
- 10 points for each favorable comparison of oneself to Einstein, or
claim that special or general relativity are fundamentally misguided
(without good evidence).
- 10 points for pointing out that one has gone to school, as if this
were evidence of sanity.
- 20 points for suggesting that you deserve a Nobel prize.
- 20 points for each favorable comparison of oneself to Newton or
claim that classical mechanics is fundamentally misguided (without
evidence).
- 20 points for every use of science fiction works or myths as if
they were fact.
- 20 points for defending yourself by bringing up (real or imagined)
ridicule accorded to one's past theories.
- 30 points for each favorable comparison of oneself to Galileo,
claims that the Inquisition is hard at work on one's case, etc..
- 30 points for claiming that the "scientific establishment" is
engaged in a "conspiracy" to prevent one's work from gaining its
well-deserved fame, or suchlike.
- 40 points for claiming one has a revolutionary theory but
giving no concrete testable predictions.
John Baez