In Theory: Difference between revisions

{{quote|''When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.''|[[Arthur C. Clarke (Creator)|Clarke's]] first law}}

* ''[[Sunshine (Filmfilm)|Sunshine]]'': In a (partial) subversion, the characters pick up a second bomb, purely because they think "two have a better chance than one". Their computer simulation even shows that what exactly will happen is completely unknowable.

* Subverted in ''[[Back to Thethe Future (Filmfilm)|Back to The Future]]'': Doc explains that a [[Temporal Paradox]] caused by you seeing yourself could theoretically destroy the universe ("Granted, that's a worst-case scenario. The effects may be limited to just our own galaxy.") When one such paradox actually does occur... all that happens is both people faint on the spot (which he also predicted as a possible outcome).

* ''[[Fringe (TV)|Fringe]]'': Walter (as an actual "distinguished" but elderly scientist) does this all the time, with Peter pointing out how crazy it seems.

** This is prevalent to the point where the Federation hires ''theoretical'' scientists as engineers. The TNG Enterprise was largely designed by theoretical physicist Dr. Leah Brahms, who demonstrates a contempt for applied science that's altogether unhealthy for an engineer, to say the least. One fan lambastslambastes her character [http://www.stardestroyer.net/Empire/Tech/Brahms/index.html here.]