It is said that the next great advance in fundamental physics will be precipitated by a breakthrough experiment which disagrees with the current theoretical framework. We argue against this, using the examples of quantum theory and of relativity as a case study: key theoretical breakthroughs (preceding the pioneer experiment) leading to improved understanding tend to be ignored. Rather, the present theoretical framework happens to be the one which was put forth first, ahead of other subsequently discovered frameworks which also agree with current experiments and are in fact superior to the present establishment viewpoint regarding their internal consistency. And yet, human prejudice and bigotry conspire to let the less superior framework prevail, until the next breakthrough experiment arrives. Only then the pre-existing better frameworks, which in fact agree with the breakthrough experiment, come to be accepted, hesitatingly. And so, the cycle goes on.
TEJINDER SINGH
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