ABSTRACT
The purpose of a scientific theory is to enable us to picture how nature works. For example, Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravitation enables us to construct the most remarkable images (mental and physical) of how our solar system works. Not only that, the same theory enables us to visualise how the whole universe was formed (C . Some scientific theories, like Newton’s, are masterpieces of science in th
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e same way as great paintings or poems are thought of as masterpieces of art. Science masterpieces, however, are never completely finished. Whereas works of
rt are often unique and subjective visions of the world, works of science are mainly ollaborative and objective representations. When one generation of scientists stops orking on a theory, the following generation continues the work. Scientific theories re therefore unfinished pictures of the natural world which scientists constantly truggle to improve. New generations of scientists evaluate, investigate and apply eir own imaginations to the representations of their predecessors.
