18 February 2007 - simplifying assumption
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Scientific Progress
Today's simplifying assumption is tomorrow's common knowledge.
clue:
One generation makes a simplifying assumption and uses it to
work out a theory that is somewhat successful. The next
generation learns the theory without paying full attention
to how it was arrived at, and is surprised when it turns
out to be based on an assumption that is not true.take oh take this clue away
the Daily Whale
copyright 2007 Jay J.P. Scott
<jay@satirist.org>