Where will Hawking stand in the future?

In summary, the conversation is about the legacy of Stephen Hawking and whether he will be as widely known and respected in the future as other great physicists such as Newton, Maxwell, and Einstein. The speaker believes that Hawking's contributions to physics will be highly valued and compares the discussion to debates over the greatest tennis players. They also mention that fame and popularity do not necessarily reflect one's scientific accomplishments, using the example of Ken Wilson.
  • #1
Physicslover19
I was discussing this with my class just the other day and now the sad news has come out, I was wondering where everybody thinks Hawking stands and where he will stand in 100 or even 200 years?

Will he be as widely known as Newton, Maxwell, and Einstein? Will his research and discoveries be as valued as theres?
 
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  • #2
I think it will. He was a great physicist
 
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Likes Douglas Sunday
  • #3
This reminds me of all the silly discussions on the Talk Tennis forums about who the greatest tennis players of all time are.

The body of work is the body of work. Reputation is the product of a human popularity contest and says more about the humans that come later than the individual producing the body of work.

I often tell my students that science fairs are something like beauty contests: once you have done good science, the winners come down to the subject judgement of the judges.
 
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Likes dRic2, cnh1995 and Douglas Sunday
  • #4
Physicslover19 said:
Will he be as widely known as Newton, Maxwell, and Einstein?

Do you know who Ken Wilson was? (No, not Rob Zombie's drummer)

If not, that says something about celebrity and physics accomplishments.
 

1. What impact will Hawking's work have on future scientific advancements?

Hawking's groundbreaking work in theoretical physics and cosmology has greatly influenced our understanding of the universe. His theories on black holes, the Big Bang, and the origins of the universe continue to be studied and built upon by future scientists. His legacy will continue to shape and inspire future scientific breakthroughs.

2. Will Hawking's theories and discoveries be proven or disproven in the future?

While some of Hawking's theories and hypotheses may be revised or disproven in the future as our technology and understanding of the universe advances, his contributions to science will always be remembered and celebrated. His theories have already stood the test of time and continue to be widely accepted in the scientific community.

3. How will Hawking's work impact future generations of scientists?

Hawking's work has not only advanced our understanding of the universe, but it has also inspired future generations of scientists to pursue their own research and make their own contributions to the field. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence young scientists for years to come.

4. What role will Hawking play in shaping the future of physics and cosmology?

Hawking's impact on the fields of physics and cosmology will be felt for many years to come. His theories and discoveries have opened up new avenues of research and exploration, and his work will continue to shape the future of these fields as scientists build upon his ideas and push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.

5. How will Hawking's legacy be remembered in the future?

Hawking's legacy will be remembered as one of the greatest minds of our time. His contributions to science and his determination to overcome his physical limitations have inspired people all over the world. His legacy will continue to be honored and celebrated for generations to come.

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