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Clever Quote by Ian Hacking

“The stability of what's called the Standard Model of particle physics and its ability to make so many clever predictions with immense precision suggests that we may just be stuck with it, and there may never be an overthrow of that.” quote by Ian Hacking
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“The stability of what's called the Standard Model of particle physics and its ability to make so many clever predictions with immense precision suggests that we may just be stuck with it, and there may never be an overthrow of that.”

Ian Hacking

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview on Physics, 2015

The Standard Model is extremely successful, so we may be reluctant to replace it despite its limitations.

In simple terms: The model works well, so change seems unlikely.

Key Takeaway

Accept current limits while exploring alternatives.

Themes

science physics paradigm skepticism

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • research funding
  • academic curricula
  • public policy
  • technological development

Key Concepts

theory prediction precision

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence would convince you to abandon the Standard Model?
  • How does reliance on a model affect scientific creativity?
A Different Perspective

New discoveries could still challenge the model.

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