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TST FRAMEWORK TERM

Irrational Idea

Sat 6 Jun 2026
Published 1 day ago.
Updated 1 day ago.
Related Terms
Rationally True
Empirically True
Irrationally False
Idea
Empirical Idea
Rational Idea
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Irrational Idea

An irrational idea is an idea that is not currently anchored in empirical evidence or rational proof. It might be speculative. It might be fictional. It might be symbolic, spiritual, creative, confused, or simply untested. The key is not mockery. The key is classification.

In TST, irrational does not automatically mean stupid. It means the idea has not yet earned empirical or rational status. A unicorn is irrational if presented as a real animal without evidence. Valhalla is irrational if presented as an actual realm without evidence. A new scientific hunch may also begin as irrational before it is clarified, tested, and possibly moved into the rational or empirical category.

This is important because many good ideas begin as wild ideas. They start as hunches, guesses, dreams, questions, or strange possibilities. Most fail. Some become useful. A few become part of common knowledge.

The discipline is to hold irrational ideas properly. Enjoy them. Explore them. Use them in fiction, metaphor, art, spirituality, or speculation. But do not confuse them with tested truth until they survive the right kind of testing.

— map / TST —

An irrational idea is not automatically worthless or evil. It may be speculative, fictional, symbolic, spiritual, creative, untested, or inconsistent. Unicorns, Valhalla, and speculative theories can begin here. In TST, irrational ideas are held lightly until evidence, reason, or clarification moves them.
Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
This month @ TST
Column Menu
June 2026
»COLUMN ARCHIVE
Column Research….
1. Timeline Story
Secular Spirituality Settles
2. Linked Quote
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
3. Science FAQ »
What is the difference between a spiritual and empirical belief?
4. Philosophy FAQ »
What is secular spirituality?
5. Critical Thinking FAQ »
How does spirituality relate to public belief?
6. History FAQ!
Is secular spirituality supported in history and science?
Bonus Deep-Dive Article
The Material-Spiritual Framework: A Philosophy of Spirituality

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