Classifying False Voynich Decipherment "Solutions"

[Mark Knowles]

Voynich "solutions" can be subdivided into two distinct groups:

2) Those that try to explain in what context it was created and possibly by whom, without any text solution

While the discussion here seems to focus more on the first group, the second group of proposed solutions is very significant, and includes anything from the stark raving to the mildly incredible (and everything in between).

Criticizing such "solutions" - from either category - should not be done by people who are actually involved themselves in developing such "solutions".  We can see how Cheshire criticizes everyone else, just because he "knows" that he is right.

This can only be done by people (mostly, but not exclusively, academics) who are fully aware that we are, after all this time, still in the "data gathering" stage.

The second class of so called "solutions" are not complete, so I question whether the term "solution" is necessarily appropriate with these. In the case of this second class it is much harder to say who is right and who is not. Someone can propose that the Voynich is European in origin, but proving that or disproving that is hard. I focused this thread on the first kind as they seem to be much more easily addressed and more in need of addressing.

I think people can be capable of wearing two hats one where an individual develops their own theories and hypotheses and another where they try to objectively assess the theories of others. Just, because Gerard Cheshire may not be inclined to wear more than one hat it doesn't mean that others can't.

The "data gathering" process is a continuing phase which doesn't have an end and it is possible for Voynich researchers to form and develop perfectly valid ideas whilst this continues, as many have. In fact it seems vital for the data gathering process as it directs individuals as to which data is likely to be most important to gather. I don't think we can say at some arbitrary moment that the "data gathering" phase has now finished and now is time for the theorising phase. I think there is definitely scope for saying that judgements about Voynich theories should be made by academics in relevant fields, however determining who should fall into the "but not exclusively" category is something else.