[split] Voynich 2026 Conference QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

[Koen G]

The word "theory" has several meanings, which are often confused or even abused.

A theory in the scientific sense uses observations to explain a phenomenon. New data and insights may alter the theory.
A theory in the "theorist" sense looks for ways to use or misuse any data that supports the theory. Unsuitable data is ignored.

An idea can be colloquially called a theory as well. "I have a theory that the neighbors' dog is the one eating our flowers." It's not a scientific theory, nor a bonkers "flat earth" style theory. You just suspect the dog, but won't stick to that idea once video footage shows it was the mailman.

So those are three possible meanings of "theory". A malleable scientific explanation, a conviction that misinterprets data and ignores evidence to the contrary, and an idea.

It is absolutely clear that in the context of Voynich research, the term is used in the second sense. A Voynich theorist is someone who has almost made their theory part of their identity, a matter of pride, a territory to defend at all cost.

If you were to say "I have a theory that I'd like to test", then fine, yes, that is the same as an idea. But that's not what we're talking about in the context of Voynich research.