Physicists often describe the current era as one of the great ages of

Question

Physicists often describe the current era as one of the great ages of physics. This is at odds with the current state of the science, which finds that its two most highly regarded theories, Einstein's General Theory of Relativity and the Standard Model of particle physics, are mutually incompatible when trying to explain many of the most exotic phenomena of the universe. As a result of this incompatibility, many physicists fear that these theories may need replacement or significant revision.

Which of the following best resolves the potential incongruity between the description of the current era of physics and the state of the two major theories discussed?

(A) Some physicists believe that both the General Theory of Relativity and the Standard Model will need revision or replacement, but others think that one of the two remains an accurate description of the rules of nature.

(B) Many of the theories that are considered possible replacements for General Relativity or the Standard Model, such as M-Theory or Superstring Theory, remain highly controversial and exist without significant experimental evidence to support them.

(C) Many of the physicists who were responsible for formulating the Standard Model have risen to positions of considerable responsibility within the scientific community partially by virtue of the theory's prediction of several recently discovered subatomic phenomena.

(D) Physicists do not necessarily view the goal of their profession as the discovery of static models that explain or predict a set of phenomena, but rather as the pursuit of ever-evolving theories that further refine our understanding of the universe.

(E) Data to support the next round of theories will require ever more sophisticated and powerful research tools, in many cases exceeding the capability of what can be studied by traditional tools such as particle accelerators and requiring the use of space-based observatories.

This is a  CR Butler Question

Check the links to other Butler Projects:

Data Sufficiency Butler  
  Problem Solving Butler  
  Sentence Correction Butler  
  Reading Comprehension Butler  
  Integrated Reasoning Butler

Matthyrou · Answer

I think the answer is D. I'm using  GMATNinja  way of solving (eliminating wrong solutions instead of finding the one), and so: 
a) The first part for me is accurate but the second one is not (it's not granted that one of the two theory is accurate), b)We are not speacking about replace the two main theories by other ones, so, wrong c) the aim of the queestion is to find why this era is great thaugh our main theories are not matching, i don't think that this answer is responding to, wrong, d) It explain that it's not because our results and theories are wrong that the era is too, for me, it can be the right answer, e)like c, it's not giving issues to this incongruity, it speacks about some advises for a better and more accurate theories for the future. Let me know if my reflexion is wrong or can be improved, Wish the best for everybody

Krunaal · Answer

The question asks to resolve the potential incongruity between two aspects: the current era of physics being described as one of the "great ages" and the fact that its two major theories (General Relativity and the Standard Model) are mutually incompatible and may require revision.

To resolve this, we need to find an option that explains why the era can still be considered great, despite the current limitations of the two major theories.

(A) This simply mentions the differing opinions among physicists about the accuracy of the two theories but does not address why the era can still be considered great despite these disagreements.  Incorrect

(B) This choice highlights the controversy and lack of evidence for alternative theories like M-Theory or Superstring Theory, but it does not explain why the current era is considered great in the face of these challenges.  Incorrect.

(C) This choice talks about the success of physicists who helped develop the Standard Model but does not explain the incongruity between the two major theories and the greatness of the era.  Incorrect.

(D) This option provides the necessary resolution by suggesting that physicists do not see their work as limited to creating static, unchanging models. Instead, they view the pursuit of constantly evolving theories as a positive thing. This suggests that even if the two major theories are incompatible or need revision, the era is still great because it represents ongoing progress and refinement in understanding the universe.  Correct.

(E) This option talks about the need for new research tools but does not directly address the potential incongruity between the current era being described as great and the issues with the two major theories.  Incorrect.

Answer D.

prantorboni · Answer

Physicists often describe the current era as one of the great ages of physics. This is at odds with the current state of the science, which finds that its two most highly regarded theories, Einstein's General Theory of Relativity and the Standard Model of particle physics, are mutually incompatible when trying to explain many of the most exotic phenomena of the universe. As a result of this incompatibility, many physicists fear that these theories may need replacement or significant revision.

Incongruity: The current era as one of the great ages of physics but two most highly regarded theories are mutually incompatible when trying to explain many of the most exotic phenomena of the universe.

Now, consider option, (D) Physicists do not necessarily view the goal of their profession as the discovery of static models that explain or predict a set of phenomena, but rather as the pursuit of ever-evolving theories that further refine our understanding of the universe.

This option completely resolves the incongruity. 
 Answer: D.

Bunuel · Answer

Veritas Prep Official Solution:

Correct Answer: D

The incongruity in this passage is that physicists view the current era in a positive light even though two major theories appear to be in jeopardy. An answer choice that explains this will resolve this problem.

Answer choice D suggests that physicists might enjoy the idea of needing to search for new theories rather than relying on existing ones and D is, therefore, the correct answer.

Answer choice A gives some of the background.

Answer choices B and C might actually increase surprise at the good cheer of physicists and answer choice E is simply out of scope.

Physicists often describe the current era as one of the great ages of

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Critical Reasoning (CR) Questions

Physicists often describe the current era as one of the great ages of

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards