Scientists in different disciplines don't speak the same language. They publish in different journals. It's like the United Nations: You come together, but no one speaks the same language, so you need some translators.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
Of course, if one ignores contradictory observations, one can claim to have an "elegant" or "robust" theory. But it isn't science.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Science requires a thorough and honest examination of all observations, including those that contradict existing theories.
In this quote, Halton Arp emphasizes the importance of considering all observations in scientific inquiry. He suggests that a theory may appear elegant or robust if contradictory evidence is ignored, but such an approach undermines the essence of science, which is built on rigorous investigation and acceptance of evidence that may challenge established beliefs.
Themes
ScienceTheoryObservationTruthContradiction
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about scientific theories, one may use this quote to stress the importance of acknowledging all evidence.
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