Quotes

Quote 455 of 521

One can not ask whether a theory reflects reality, just whether it
agrees with observations.  A good theory is one that explains a wide
range of observations on the basis of an elegant model, and makes
definite predictions for new measurements. ... Some very elegant
theories predict extra dimensions to space time, above the usual three
space and one time dimensions.  If the extra dimensions were curled up
very small we wouldn't see them.  We can't rule out theories with
extra dimensions, but so far we have no observations that require
them.

Stephen Hawking, as interviewed on BBC Radio 4,
		   2006-11-30
		   http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/ram/today4_hawking_20061130.ram
		   5:35

Tags: eleganttheories definitepredictions elegantmodel timedimensions spacetime measurements