We don’t have access to all knowledge, so yes, theory only goes so far because it’s based from our limited perspective Oppenheimer presents theory and practice as two separate, perhaps conflicting disciplines that are pursued by different entities that specialize in one or the other wholeheartedly. The goal is as we expand our knowledge base, theories become more and more robust in modelling the real world
You can have a theory that works on paper but doesn’t account for many variables in the actual circumstance. Specifically, the film's memorable, repeated line of theory can only take you so far is one that i think merits some unpacking Theory will only take you so far
