Wikenigma is a collaborative encyclopedia cataloging the unknown and unexplained. It aims to be a comprehensive resource for unsolved mysteries, encompassing scientific enigmas, historical puzzles, paranormal phenomena, and strange occurrences. The project encourages contributions from anyone with knowledge or interest in these areas, with the goal of building a structured and accessible repository of information about the things we don't yet understand. Rather than offering solutions, Wikenigma focuses on clearly defining and documenting the mysteries themselves, providing context, evidence, and possible explanations while acknowledging the unknown aspects.
The online resource known as Wikenigma, found at wikenigma.org.uk, styles itself as an "Encyclopedia of Unknowns," dedicated to meticulously cataloging and exploring a diverse array of unsolved mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and open questions spanning a multitude of disciplines. It aims to be a comprehensive repository of enigmas, ranging from the profoundly perplexing to the curiously unresolved, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and collaborative investigation.
The project distinguishes itself through a structured, wiki-like format, enabling collaborative editing and expansion of its content. Each entry, representing a specific unsolved mystery or unknown, is meticulously documented with available evidence, current theories, and potential avenues for further exploration. This encourages a dynamic and evolving understanding of each enigma as new information emerges or alternative perspectives are proposed.
Wikenigma's scope is impressively broad, encompassing unsolved historical mysteries, such as the disappearance of Amelia Earhart and the identity of Jack the Ripper, as well as scientific conundrums like the nature of dark matter and the existence of extraterrestrial life. It also delves into the realm of the paranormal, documenting phenomena like UFO sightings and cryptid encounters, while maintaining a commitment to presenting information objectively and without definitive pronouncements on their veracity.
The platform's emphasis on community contributions fosters a collaborative atmosphere where individuals with varying expertise and perspectives can contribute to the ongoing investigation of these mysteries. This collaborative approach, coupled with the platform's inherent transparency and open editing policy, distinguishes Wikenigma from more static sources of information, creating a living document that continuously evolves as our understanding of the unknown expands. Essentially, it aspires to be a centralized hub for exploring the fringes of human knowledge, encouraging critical thinking, and perhaps even inspiring solutions to some of the world's most enduring mysteries. By offering a structured and readily accessible compilation of unsolved enigmas, Wikenigma serves as a valuable resource for both casual enthusiasts and dedicated researchers alike, fueling a collective pursuit of understanding the unknown.
Summary of Comments ( 4 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42824617
Hacker News users discussed Wikenigma with cautious curiosity. Some expressed interest in the concept of cataloging the unknown, viewing it as a valuable tool for research and sparking curiosity. Others were more skeptical, raising concerns about the practicality of defining and categorizing the unknown, and the potential for the project to become overly broad or filled with pseudoscience. Several commenters debated the philosophical implications of the endeavor, questioning what constitutes "unknown" and how to differentiate between genuine mysteries and simply unanswered questions. A few users suggested alternative approaches to organizing and exploring the unknown, such as focusing on specific domains or using a more structured framework. Overall, the reception was mixed, with some intrigued by the potential and others remaining unconvinced of its value.
The Hacker News post "Wikenigma – an Encyclopedia of Unknowns" discussing the website wikenigma.org.uk has generated several comments exploring the concept and its potential.
One commenter expresses enthusiasm for the idea, viewing it as a valuable resource for identifying gaps in current knowledge. They compare it to Wikipedia's list of unsolved problems but focused on concise descriptions of the unknown rather than extensive discussions of attempted solutions. They further suggest potential uses, like generating research ideas or highlighting areas ripe for exploration. This commenter also appreciates the site's simplicity and lack of "cruft," suggesting it could be a good starting point for a "citizen science" project.
Another commenter draws a parallel between Wikenigma and the concept of "negative knowledge," referencing a blog post that discusses the importance of acknowledging what we don't know. They also suggest potential categories for Wikenigma entries, like "unknown unknowns" (things we don't know we don't know) and "known unknowns" (things we know we don't know). They find the project intriguing but express concern about distinguishing genuine unknowns from things that are simply poorly documented or understood.
A further comment focuses on the challenge of defining "unknown." They highlight the difficulty in differentiating between truly unknown aspects of reality and things that are merely unproven or undocumented. They suggest that Wikenigma would benefit from clear criteria for inclusion, potentially distinguishing between "empirical unknowns" (things we haven't observed yet) and "theoretical unknowns" (things predicted by theories but not yet confirmed).
One commenter questions the site's organization, pointing out the limited categorization and the potential for overlap between entries. They suggest implementing a more structured system with clear categories and subcategories to improve navigation and discoverability.
Another commenter raises the issue of verifiability, noting that claims about the unknown are inherently difficult to verify. They express concern that without a robust verification process, Wikenigma could become a repository for speculation and pseudoscience. They suggest a system for flagging potentially dubious entries and requiring evidence or citations to support claims.
A more skeptical comment questions the project's overall value, arguing that a catalog of unknowns is inherently less useful than a catalog of knowns. They suggest that focusing on what we do know is a more productive approach to advancing knowledge. However, they concede that Wikenigma might have some niche value in specific fields or as a source of inspiration for researchers.
Finally, one commenter raises a technical point, suggesting the use of a specific software for building the encyclopedia. They argue that this software would provide better functionality and scalability compared to the current implementation.