When Sir Isaac Newton said that, "If I see farther than those who came before me, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants," he meant that science can only advance when
A) geniuses make revolutionary new discoveries.
B) theories are used only to organize and extend knowledge and not to guide action.
C) science is cumulative, with new knowledge growing from existing knowledge.
D) theories are extremely broad in scope so that scientists can use them to "see farther."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sir Isaac Newton meant that science can only advance when new knowledge grows from existing knowledge, building upon the work of past scientists. This cumulative process allows scientists to stand on the shoulders of giants, using the knowledge and discoveries of their predecessors as a foundation for their own work. This approach to science emphasizes the importance of collaboration and recognizes that no scientist works in isolation, but rather in a community that builds upon each other's work.

When Sir Isaac Newton Said That, "If I See Farther