Over time, non-specialists are usually able to assimilate radically new scientific ideas, even though these ideas may seem strange when they are initially introduced. Such was the case with Newtonian physics; when Newton proposed his ideas regarding motion and gravitation in the seventeenth century, they were denounced as unreasonable even by other leading physicists. Eventually, however, Newton’s ideas were generally assimilated. Such will also prove to be the case with quantum mechanics, a twentieth-century science that deals with the behavior of matter and light on the subatomic scale. Eventually, the novelty of quantum mechanics will no longer act as a bar to the comprehension of this theory by the non-specialist.
What is your question here?
The passage explains how non-specialists can eventually understand and accept new scientific ideas, even if they initially seem strange or unreasonable. It uses the examples of Newtonian physics and quantum mechanics to illustrate this process.
When Newton proposed his ideas about motion and gravitation in the seventeenth century, they were considered unreasonable and were even denounced by other leading physicists at the time. However, over time, as people began to investigate and experiment with these ideas, they were able to better understand and accept them. Eventually, Newton's ideas became widely accepted and assimilated into the field of physics.
Similarly, the passage suggests that the same process will occur with quantum mechanics, which is a science that deals with the behavior of matter and light on a subatomic scale. Quantum mechanics was developed in the twentieth century and introduced ideas that were very different from classical physics. These new concepts, such as wave-particle duality and uncertainty principles, may initially seem strange and hard to comprehend for non-specialists.
However, the passage suggests that with further investigation, experimentation, and education, non-specialists will be able to assimilate the key principles and concepts of quantum mechanics. It acknowledges that the novelty and complexity of quantum mechanics might currently act as a barrier to comprehension for non-specialists. But, similar to the case of Newtonian physics, the expectation is that over time, as quantum mechanics becomes more integrated into scientific understanding, non-specialists will also be able to comprehend and accept its ideas.
Overall, the passage highlights the ability of non-specialists to eventually assimilate and understand new scientific concepts, despite initial resistance or skepticism. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing scientific inquiry and education in expanding our comprehension of the world.