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arXiv · 2509.16217

An objective criterion for evaluating new physical theories

Yefim Bakman
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Abstract

Currently, the value of a new physical theory is determined by whether it has been published in a prestigious journal. Yet, to publish an article in a prestigious journal, one must undergo a rigorous process of independent subjective peer review, with the success of the theory depending on the subjective opinion of reviewers who have proven themselves in developing old theories of physics. As a result, a closed system (gatekeeping) has been created that does not allow the penetration of new theories, especially those that call into question the established paradigm. A subjective approach is not uniquely possible. Here, we propose an objective criterion for evaluating new physical theories and illustrate this criterion through an example.

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Yefim Bakman. 2025-09-06. An objective criterion for evaluating new physical theories. https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.16217

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