The Fringe Theory rests on one basic metaphor that contains two essential elements: a relationship (the metaphor) in which a core (first element) is orbited by fragments (the second element). The relationship between core and fringe, can easily describe everything that is known or unknown (a bold claim for which I will suffer). In general, the fragments in any given relationship occupy the fringe, hence the name of this potentially award winning theory (which could just as easily have been called the Core Theory, but The Fringe Theory has more pop, more crackle, more snap [plus it reminds some people of the musical Oklahoma]).
Let's use the Sun and the solar system as our first example of a relationship. The Sun is obviously the core element in a relationship in which the fringe is occupied by eight planets (and one former planet), some chunky hunks called dwarf planets, and a large number of asteroids and various objets d'art. The Sun and the solar system, however, are located very near the outer edge of the Milky Way Galaxy, making it and our entire solar system an orbiting fragment around a probable black hole in the center -- but don't get sidetracked down a mushy lane of relativism (i.e., if this is bigger than that, it must be a core; if this is smaller than that, it must be fringe) -- no no no. Because, you see, this is an infinitely recursive theme -- outwardly and inward:sly all things are both core and fringe and all things are parts of an infinite array of relationships in which they are simultaneously different yet infinite cores and infinite fringes.
What I propose is a conceptual, multidimensional, unconventional, sexploitational, fantastically fractal web that will blow...your...mind. (It already did, didn't it? Huh? Huh? Uh huh...thass rite...)
As we will see in Chapter 15, every core is a fragment and every fragment is a core. It is unlikely that there is an Ultimate Core (from which all relationships devolve) or an ultimate Fragment (that belongs to all cores and has nothing orbiting it). These notions are silly silly silly -- I laugh at them heartily.
Until we meet again...
This lovely fractal found here.
I am intrigued by the fringe theory, in no small part, because its elucidation coincides with the discovery of a possible new massive subatomic particle of unknown character. It is as if this surprising object has manifested in order to "acknowledge" the character of the fringe/core relationship. In the unambiguous language of subatomic physics, we could say this is a type of natural "super" validation, without spin.
ReplyDeleteThis is crackpot speculation about things that the author is obviously not qualified to have an opinion on.
ReplyDeleteThe key to understanding the tragic nature of Fringe Theory is that the fringe is so far on the edge of knowledge that the core cannot possibly recognize it's existence, and therefore is uninfluenced by it, except as an empty possibility that haunts the core forever.
ReplyDeleteIts the sheer beauty of the fringe that speaks for its authenticity. In the face of such overwhelming near symmetry, where the non-existent is almost perfectly balanced with all that is manifest, the only thing a human observer can do is say... Ahhh... Haaa.... an expression that itself mirrors this extraordinary phenomena. Eternal thanks to Bill Radl for this incredible discovery.
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