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About this quote

What does it mean?
Physics describes what we observe and say about nature rather than revealing an independent reality behind it.
In plain terms
Science focuses on descriptions of nature, not the hidden truth of nature itself.
What can you take from it?
Focus on what can be measured and said.

Where it applies

  • research
  • philosophy of science
  • teaching physics

Putting it to work

  • define limits of models
  • focus on data
  • avoid metaphysics

Questions to consider

  • Can science describe reality or just data?
  • What is a model?

Another view

Many physicists believe hidden realities do exist.

More from Niels Bohr

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