Chapter 1, Problem 1TE

In daily life, people are often praised for maintaining some particular point of view, for the “courage of their convictions�. A change of mind is seen as a sign of weakness. How is this different in science?

To determine

Whether the change of mind is seen as a sign of weakness in science too as it is in daily life.

Answer to Problem 1TE

In science, the change in point of view is not observed as a weakness in light of newly presented facts.

Explanation of Solution

A human may hold on a point of view because he/she has some indication of supporting it. But, if some points are provided that can prove earlier opinion as incorrect, a scientific person would change his point of view in light of newly presented facts.

For example, Copernicus put forward his view that the Sun, not the Earth, which was believed earlier, is the centre of the solar system because of observations that he got. Although contemporary people criticized him, he is held in high regard in the scientific community even today for his that point of view. Thus, change in viewpoint is not considered as a weakness in science.

Conclusion:

Therefore, in science, change in point of view is not observed as a weakness in light of newly presented facts.