Knowledge Is Just One Universe After Another (Press, 1 September 1962)

Dr. G. Schlesinger, a senior lecturer at the Australian National University, presented a thought-provoking paper entitled “What Is Science For?” at the A.N.Z.A.A.S. Congress in Sydney. He proposed a hypothetical society that retains an eighteenth-century understanding of geometry, juxtaposed with highly advanced technology capable of intergalactic travel. Illustrating his argument, Schlesinger drew a scenario where a cosmic explorer, upon embarking on a journey through an infinite shell of concentric universes, encounters duplicates of his home and loved ones in a universe resembling his own. He suggested that, under Euclidean geometry, the only explanation for this phenomenon would be the existence of these multiple universes, all linked in synchrony as the explorer journeyed in a straight line. Schlesinger elaborated on the implications if non-Euclidean geometries were accepted, positing that such developments could theoretically allow a traveller to return to their original point despite travelling in a straight line. This analogy served to highlight the complex landscape of modern science, where navigating through its various branches can feel like traversing unconnected realms. The A.N.Z.A.A.S. Congress aimed to bridge perceived divides between various scientific disciplines through public engagement initiatives, including introductory lectures and symposia focused on interdisciplinary topics. Despite these attempts, many delegates remained rooted in their individual specialties, as the increasing complexity and specialisation of knowledge made cross-disciplinary understanding challenging. Professor A. P. Elkin remarked on the disparity in depth and accessibility within scientific fields, noting how specialisation had led to a situation where even different branches of the same science often felt disconnected from one another. Professor N. S. Bayliss, the president of A.N.Z.A.A.S., observed trends indicating that, while the body of scientific knowledge has been growing rapidly—doubling in size every eight years compared to every 13 years only decades prior—the ability for any single individual to grasp the entirety of science has diminished significantly. This trend illustrates the growing complexity of knowledge, marking a departure from the era when a single person could comprehend all scientific advancements. Ultimately, the Congress highlighted a pressing need for scientists and the public alike to acknowledge the interconnectedness of various disciplines amidst the encroaching complexity and specialisation in the field. The reality of modern science is a unified challenge that requires collaborative efforts, even as the experience of attending such conferences can often feel like navigating through a series of isolated universes.

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