Concepts Quote by Bertram Brockhouse
“For strictly scientific or technological purposes all this is irrelevant. On a pragmatic view, as on a religious view, theory and concepts are held in faith. On the pragmatic view the only thing that matters is that the theory is efficacious, that it 'works' and that the necessary preliminaries and side issues do not cost too much in time and effort. Beyond that, theory and concepts go to constitute a language in which the scientistic matters at issue can be formulated and discussed.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: 1978 Physics Seminar, Bertram Brockhouse
Practical utility outweighs theoretical elegance; theories are tools judged by effectiveness and cost
In simple terms: Theory matters only if it works efficiently
Key Takeaway
Prioritize practical outcomes over abstract theory
Themes
pragmatism
theory
efficacy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- engineering
- scientific research
- policy making
Key Concepts
cost‑benefit analysis
functionalism
Questions to Reflect On
- When should theory be pursued despite high cost?
- How to balance practicality with curiosity?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on utility can ignore long‑term insight
