medium · LSAT Logical Reasoning
Theoretical physicists often use mathematical beauty as a guide in developing new theories. They argue that the most fundamental laws of nature should be elegant and simple. However, some historians of science point out that many theories once considered "beautiful," such as the Ptolemaic system of epicycles, were later proven incorrect. They argue that physical evidence, not aesthetic appeal, must remain the final arbiter of scientific truth.
Which one of the following most accurately describes the relationship between the physicists and the historians?
- The historians dispute a working assumption that underlies the physicists' approach to building theories.
- The historians supply historical examples that vindicate the physicists' reliance on aesthetic criteria.
- The physicists are responding to the historians by trying to refute the historical record the historians cite.
- The historians deny that aesthetic considerations have ever played any role whatsoever in scientific discovery.
- The two groups agree that beauty correlates with truth but disagree about which theories qualify as beautiful.
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