How would you criticize this statement: “Once you have picked a standard, by the very meaning of ‘standard’ it is invariable”?

How would you criticize this statement: The statement is  “Once you have picked a standard, by the very meaning of ‘standard’ it is invariable” can be criticized on several grounds, particularly in relation to the nature of standards in science and technology.

Firstly, a standard is not meant to be static or unchanging; rather, it is a reference or baseline against which other things are measured. The purpose of a standard is to provide consistency and clarity, but this does not imply that it cannot evolve. In fact, many standards are subject to revision and refinement over time as new discoveries are made and as scientific understanding improves. For example, units of measurement like the meter and the kilogram have changed over the years to achieve greater precision, especially with the advancement of technology. The shift from a physical object (the platinum-iridium bar for the kilogram) to a definition based on the properties of the Planck constant illustrates how standards can evolve without losing their functionality or importance.

Secondly, the statement assumes a narrow interpretation of invariance. While a standard provides a fixed reference at any given time, its application and relevance can change in response to new technological advancements and scientific knowledge. For instance, the use of atomic clocks in defining time has led to more accurate timekeeping, which required a revision of older standards. Standards need to be adaptable in order to remain accurate and reliable across different contexts and eras. The goal is not to preserve the standard unchanged but to update it in ways that improve its applicability and accuracy.

Finally, the idea of an invariable standard contradicts the very essence of scientific progress. The flexibility to modify or redefine standards ensures they continue to serve their intended purpose in the face of new challenges and more sophisticated tools. As society and technology evolve, so too must the standards that support them. Thus, the concept of an “invariable” standard is not only unrealistic but also detrimental to the ongoing advancement of science and industry.