I think you're on point, and you've explained it very well.

As we're becoming hyper specialised, they become an invaluable tool to merge the horizon in, so to speak.

I think traditionally engineering was supposed to be the discipline that brings the breadth that science has to give up. At least that’s how I rationalized the pain I had to go through in college studying EE.

I don’t think that this model works anymore though.

Also, I love the expression “merge the horizon in”. Being a non native speaker of a language is so nice some times. Thanks!