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Science is concerned with what is possible while…

“Science is concerned with what is possible while engineering is concerned with choosing, from among the many possible ways, one that meets a number of often poorly stated economic and practical objectives.” quote by Richard Hamming
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“Science is concerned with what is possible while engineering is concerned with choosing, from among the many possible ways, one that meets a number of often poorly stated economic and practical objectives.”

Richard Hamming

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Science explores possibilities; engineering selects practical solutions among them, balancing constraints.

In simple terms: Science finds possibilities; engineering chooses feasible ones.

Key Takeaway

Apply engineering to turn ideas into usable solutions.

Themes

engineering science decision making constraints

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

technical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Product development
  • policy design
  • research funding
  • technology deployment

Key Concepts

Systems engineering innovation economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What constraints shape your decisions?
  • How do you balance ideal and practical?
A Different Perspective

Engineering choices can be limited by inaccurate assumptions.

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