College Physics ›› 2023, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (9): 31-.doi: 10.16854/j.cnki.1000-0712.220534

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What kind of enlightenment can we get from the mistakes of physics masters?

ZHAO Song-nian1, YU Yun-xian2   

  1. 1. Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; 
    2. Disaster Relief Center, State Seismology Bureau, Beijing 100029, China
  • Received:2022-10-28 Revised:2022-12-22 Online:2023-10-16 Published:2023-10-18

Abstract: In the process of the development of physics, some scientific celebrities often make mistakes in judgment in the face of new concepts and new discoveries, which brings irreparable losses to the younger generation of researchers, and some misjudgments will hinder the scientific progress at that time. Usually, for this kind of situation, which is not uncommon in the history of science, the relevant documents or biographies are mainly analyzed from the aspects of methodology and epistemology, and sometimes they are also limited by factors such as the potential psychology and habits that are taboo to celebrities, and seldom conduct in-depth analysis. In fact, we can not expect to try to change the behavioral habits and mindsets of scientific masters, famous experts or authorities through so-called methodological or psychological analysis; instead, we hope that young scientific and technological personnel will realize what kind of actions they need to take when facing such mistakes. A way is desirable so as to at least reduce the possible losses. Different from this, this paper selects some physicists who have made misjudgments about new concepts and new experimental results due to their personal styles and professional backgroundssince the founding of quantum mechanics, causing the young people they work with to miss important discoveries. Opportunity, it must be said that it is a very regrettable thing. Is it practical to discuss these cases now? Science is developing, and new phenomena and concepts will continue to emerge. It is difficult to avoid similar situations. What enlightenment will it bring to the parties? What can we learn from such mistakes? Whether it is a scientist, a mentor or a younger generation of scientific researchers who are already in high scientific research positions, reading the mistakes of the masters of physics will surely learn valuable lessons and get profound enlightenment; importance and implement it in their own research work.



Key words:  history of science, master, mistake, enlightenment, anecdote