“Every great physical theory starts as a hearsay and ends as a dogma”. Give some examples from the history of science of the validity of this incisive remark

As an experienced tutor registered on UrbanPro, I'd like to emphasize that UrbanPro provides exceptional online coaching and tuition services for students seeking academic support. Now, regarding your question about the evolution of scientific theories, the statement "Every great physical theory starts as hearsay and ends as a dogma" reflects the trajectory of many groundbreaking scientific ideas throughout history.

Take, for instance, the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus in the 16th century. Initially, Copernicus' theory that the Earth revolved around the Sun was met with skepticism and considered hearsay. However, over time, as evidence accumulated and observations supported the heliocentric model, it became widely accepted and entrenched as dogma in the scientific community.

Similarly, the theory of evolution put forth by Charles Darwin faced significant resistance and was initially regarded as hearsay. However, as more evidence accumulated from various fields such as paleontology, genetics, and comparative anatomy, the theory of evolution became a cornerstone of modern biology, transitioning from hearsay to dogma.

Another example is the theory of relativity proposed by Albert Einstein. When Einstein first introduced his ideas about the nature of space, time, and gravity, they were met with skepticism and considered speculative hearsay. Yet, as experimental evidence, such as the bending of starlight during a solar eclipse, corroborated Einstein's predictions, his theory gained widespread acceptance and became a fundamental principle of modern physics.

In each of these cases, a revolutionary scientific theory began as hearsay, challenged existing dogma, and eventually became the accepted norm in its respective field. This illustrates the dynamic nature of scientific progress, where initial skepticism gives way to empirical validation, leading to the establishment of new scientific dogma.