Abstract This paper reviews Thomas Kuhn's book about scientific advances entitled "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions." The paper focuses on several key elements and definitions in the work, with an emphasis on the concept of the scientific paradigm. The reviewer then discusses the role of paradigms in scientific revolutions, citing Kuhn's theory that revolutions appear when an old paradigm is substituted by a new one. Finally, the paper presents Kuhn's view of the past, present, evolution and future of science. The reviewer further describes Kuhn's view of the importance of crises in facilitating the evolution of science. The review concludes that Kuhn 's theory of paradigm and paradigm shifts gives a revolutionary description of scientific progress.
Outline:
Thomas Kuhn's Concept of Paradigm
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
The Past, Present, Evolution and Future of Science
Reference List
From the Paper " First of all, Kuhn (1996) introduces the notion of "normal science", that is, according to him, the science that bases its research on previous research which is recognized as valid by a scientific community. (p.10) It is the structure of normal science that the book proposes to investigate. Furthermore, Kuhn (1996) argues that the most salient aspect of scientific evolution in time is the fact that science does not progress through leaps or through unrelated sets of investigations. On the contrary, scientific research is always conducted under a paradigm, or, to put it differently, all research is based on previous scientific data. The scientific paradigm can be defined as a certain common pattern in scientific research, or a certain set of accepted world views that are held as true for a period of time. The paradigm is thus a set of common beliefs about the world, based on past research. "
Abstract This paper explores the metaphysics of Newtonian space-time, with the aim to discover the true meaning of Newton's three laws of motion. The common misconception is that the "universal" laws pertain to a universal and objective reality, whereas they pertain to nothing more than a certain method of setting up experiments, and this the paper aims to establish. It also shows how this throws light on the interpretation of quantum mechanics, and then draws significant parallels between classical physics and the modern philosophy of existentialism.
From the Paper "Newton's laws of motion have a subtext that always escapes scrutiny at the first instance. This is Newtonian space-time, the metaphysical framework that underpins the laws. This framework consists of three spatial dimensions, chalked out as perpendicular to each other and emerging from a unique origin of coordinates. This is Cartesian space. If we add to this the extra dimension of linear time we obtain Newtonian space-time. The laws of motion make sense only when we assume them to be taking place in Newtonian space-time. And when we add the epithet "universal" to the three laws of motion then we have underhandedly made Newtonian space-time infinite in all 6 dimensional directions and have mapped this framework to reality."
Abstract This paper discusses the different types of forces that operate within this world and the many different methods in which energy forms. It specifically focuses on analyzing mechanical, chemical, atomic and nuclear energies. The paper then further groups energy into two broad general categories - kinetic energy or the energy of motion and potential energy or the energy of position. It analyzes these sub-categories of energy.
From the Paper " The use of modern energy sources to supplement traditional energy supplies such as coal and oil have naturally turned to nuclear energy. In theory, nuclear energy is the most sustainable method of energy production available to our society. However, the implicit risk of a power plant meltdown and possibility of both nuclear explosion or radiation leakage prevents nuclear energy from becoming extremely mainstream. This is evidenced by the Chernobyl accident, in which hundreds of thousands of Russian civilians suffered and died at the hands of the worst nuclear accident in world history. The impact of Chernobyl is that it has caused a massive social stigma to be attached with the use and development of nuclear energy. Although it is currently still not as popular as traditional forms of energy, the eventual scarcity of resources will increase the popularity of nuclear power as a clear alternative."
Abstract This paper examines the Manhattan Project, describing its historical development and the political and diplomatic relations which it entailed. The fear of the Nazi's developing an atom bomb is considered one of the motivating reasons for the US speeding up its nuclear fission program. The paper further mentions how the US shared or did not share its research with its allies. The paper then describes some technical aspects of the research. The actual deployment of the bomb is discussed and how it contributed to the Cold War between the US and USSR. The paper concludes with the negative consequences of the Manhattan Project, including the tremendous loss of life caused by detonating two atomic bombs.
From the Paper "American research in the field of nuclear physics had been progressing in a rather unsystematic manner. The British were interested in finding out about the American work. To this aim, they did not hesitate in what including atomic information in the exchanges of technical information and scientific missions that were going on in the beginning of the 1940s. This interchange of scientific information was very important; proof of its importance is that face that one of the documents forwarded to the United States was the Thomson Committee Report. This document stated the feasibility of an atomic bomb and led to the British decision to become involved in such a project; also, it represented an important factor that influenced the U.S. follow the same path and become involved. This was followed by an offer issued in October, 1941 by President Roosevelt to Winston Churchill for cooperation in relation to the project. After the agreement, the next step in the evolution of the project was a division of labor."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the adoption process is one that should not be entered into lightly and one that professionals should take great responsibility ethically in providing necessary services to the birth parents who are considering entering into an adoption proceeding. The inequity of adoption laws are historically noted in this work as well as the failure of the legal system in protecting the birth parent from suffering associated with denial of information as to her child's well being. It is the belief of the researcher that provisions for adult disclosure of birth parent information and identification should be inclusive in laws and regulations governing adoptions in order to protect the individual who has everything to lose, and specifically for protection of the birth parent.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Statement of Thesis
Literature Review
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The rights of the birthparents should be given the most weight in the adoption process as compared to the adoptive parents. While the adoptive parents have much to gain, the birthparents are those who have much to lose if the adoption process is not handled properly, ethically, according to prescribed laws, and responsively as to the psychological needs of the birthparents who are giving up their child for adoption. The intention of the birthparents who give up the child for adoption generally is one that is noble and is directly based upon a decision to allow the child the opportunity for a better life than the birthparent is able to provide. However, after the child has become an adult, the goal of adoption has been successfully concluded and there should be no reason whatsoever that the birthparent and child should be hidden from one another legally."
Abstract This paper discusses quantum tunneling, which is a function of quantum-mechanical activity in the instance where a particle moves against potential energy and appears on the other side of the energy barrier. The paper describes the theory behind quantum tunneling. It focuses on the Esaki diode and looks at its potential uses now and in the future.
From the Paper "While the Esaki diode has not been widely used, its application is nearing widespread use in computers. The diode circuits have been developed and crash programs have been implemented by major computer makers in order to apply it to communications equipment. Yet there still is resistance to the use of these phenomenal little circuits, where currents may be reversed. Some designers and engineers prefer transistors. Proven circuits and solid-state technology that is already acceptable seem to be sufficient, they say. But interest in the diode is so great that they are being forced to try to apply this not-so-new technology to obtain ultra-high speed and ultra-low power consumption in the computer industry. The diode phenomenon dominated 1960 Physics Conferences."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of the Aswan High Dam in Egypt. The paper explores the history of the construction of the dam. It then examines its uses. Finally the paper looks at the benefits of the dam and its liabilities. The paper concludes that overall the pros outweigh the cons and that the Aswan High Dam is a valuable asset to Egyptian society.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Dam
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Aswan High Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and it provides a multitude of benefits to those who live in the surrounding area."
"The electricity it generates is clean, and does not contribute to air or environment pollution. It maintains the river to control flooding which allows the environment to grow and prosper without fear of destruction.
The problems it created while being constructed included the destruction of artifacts that were thousands of years old. In addition it flooded a nation and the entire population had to be moved with their lifestyles and history destroyed. When the pros and cons are weighed against each other the dam provides many benefits to society now and will continue to do so in the future."
Abstract This paper contends that thermodynamics can be used as a guide to explain living systems because living systems are simply a manifestation of components of non-living systems, with atoms, elements and an injection of micro-electricity guiding the process. The author points out that this relatively simple assumption has guided years of research and allows scientists to create explanations, which employ thermodynamics to define the development and more importantly the creation of life. The paper relates that a conflict occurs when the biological systems lean in the direction of complexity, as all living systems do, and the human mind then falters in his or her ability to apply thermodynamic laws to living systems. The paper includes a formula and several long quotations.
From the Paper "Within this driving force of potential complexity and also the inability of simple science to correct for unpredictability there is debate, the driving force of answers. Debate ensues among those who attempt to simplify matters into those which can be recreated and documented repeatable effects to create scientific truth and those who wish to make conjecture part of the scientific rule on this issue. Some would say that the groundhog example is explainable through science, and still others would contend that it is not the environment that determines the reality of the system, ..."
Abstract This paper takes a look at nuclear energy. According to the paper, nuclear energy provides a cost-efficient, safe and reliable form of energy generation that is relatively clean. The paper goes on to discuss how nuclear energy does not contribute to the growing problem of global warming and climate change since this source does not emit any pollutants into the air.
From the Paper "Lake (2001) argued that since nuclear waste is fully contained and very carefully dealt with, it is the best-managed waste on planet Earth. Furthermore, this author explained how the costs of storage and eventual disposal of nuclear waste are included in the cost of nuclear-produced electricity. In regard to long-term solutions for the storage of nuclear waste, the U.S. commercial nuclear energy industry plans for the development and licensing of an underground national repository for the waste's permanent disposal (Lake, 2001)."
Abstract This paper discusses Stephen Hawking's book, "A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes." It describes some of the concepts that Hawking discusses in his book, such as his allusions to God and his discussions on the "classical" and the "quantum" theory of gravity. The paper also briefly describes Hawking's physical and personal challenges in life.
From the Paper "Hawking discusses the "classical" and the "quantum" theory of gravity, in a way that makes sense to the average non-science-focused person. The "classical" theory of gravity (based on "real space-time") offers only two ways the universe can behave, Hawking writes (135): either the universe has been around "for an infinite time," or otherwise it has had "...a beginning at a singularity at some finite time in the past." As to the "quantum" gravity theory there is a third possibility in terms of a definition. That is, space-time could possibly be "finite in extent and yet...have no singularities that formed a boundary or edge." In other words, the surface of the earth is indeed finite, we can walk on it and build on it; but it has no "edge" so if you go sailing off "into the sunset, you don't fall off the edge or run into a singularity," he continues. And he adds some humor to his explanation, as he often does in this book: "I know," he says, adding to the concept of not falling off the edge of the earth, "...Because I have been round the world!""
Abstract The paper provides a detailed biography of Isaac Newton, including his major accomplishments and their impact on society. The paper discusses how he revolutionized science, physics and celestial mechanics. The paper relates that he has proved to be one of the greatest scientists of all times.
From the Paper "Isaac Newton is recorded as being born on Christmas day in the year of 1642, though with our current Gregorian calendar, which was not adopted in England until 1752, his birthday would be January 4th of 1643. Newton was born in Lincolnshire at the Hamlet of Woolsthorpe, a manor house near Grantham. Newton was born prematurely and therefore was a small child. Newton was named after his father, Isaac Newton. Newton's father, an ill-educated farmer who owned property (which made him wealthy) but could not sign his own name, was a sickly man. He died three months before his son was born, in October 1642."
Abstract The paper describes the most common feature of light, reflection. The paper explains that reflection occurs when electromagnetic radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum experiences an elastic collision with any particular physical surface. The paper then looks at refraction, when the path of light is altered by the material through which it travels. The paper also discusses interference, which results from two separate wave forms coming together.
From the Paper "To most of us, the general properties of light are so commonplace and so readily observed that we tend to think nothing of them. Additionally, we fail to critically examine what light may be and how it operates under certain conditions. After all, most of us could not conceive of a word without the aid of our sense of sight; yet this sight is based upon a very limited number of features of electromagnetic radiation. Of course, delineating a handful of key features of light - those that we witness over the course of our everyday lives - can be very beneficial towards a more comprehensive understanding of what it actually is."
Tags: reflection, refraction, interference, waves, material, medium
Abstract This paper discusses the fundamental contribution of the quantum theory to theoretical statistics. The paper presents and discusses the key moment of the first quantization. It looks at the relationship of the mean and the variance to energy. It then describes and analyzes Planck's procedure. Finally, the paper discusses the statistical meaning of the procedure to quantum physics.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
First Example of Quadratic Variance Distributions
Introducing Correlations: an Interpretation of Quantum
Formal Description of the Quadratic Variance Ensembles
Conclusions
From the Paper "The fact that statistical physics can be taken as a particular type of statistical inference does not seem to play too much of a theoretical role in physics today. It is perhaps the strong suggestion of subjectivity associated with the concept of inference that determines physicists to rely mostly upon kinetic basis of statistical laws. However, recognized or not, the statistical inference has played a very important part in such fundamental problems like building physical concepts. One illustrative example is the concept of quantum. Originally related to the frequency property of light, it was in time explained as associated with its particle properties, then with the temperature of light. All these properties can be traced logically back to the particular type of statistics which is fundamental for the ensembles characterizing the black body radiation. More than this, that very type of statistics is essential in the contemporary sophisticated descriptions of the squeezed states and their related concepts. This essay presents details of the statistics involved in the history of quantum, and the essential points of this history."
Abstract This paper discusses the effect of ideology on Soviet science during the communist era of leadership and the negative ways in which it was manifested. The paper looks at some of the benefits that were provided by Soviet science, but then argues that Soviet science during the communist era was subverted to such an extent by the Communist Party that it became discredited in the eyes of most of the world.
From the Paper "In conclusion, the negative effect of Marxist-Leninist ideology on Soviet science was manifested in a variety of ways, from the systematic propagandizing of dialectic materialism as a science to the undermining of science itself in the form of theories such as Lysenkoism. Although Soviet science provided some benefits in the form of discoveries in the field of space medicine, the development of space exploration, and the use of nuclear power to generate electricity for Soviet towns and cities, science in the USSR during the communist era was subverted to such an extent by the government that it was reduced in most cases to pseudo-science and became an object of ridicule throughout most of the world."
Abstract This paper discusses the impact on society of nuclear power generation technology. It describes the history of the global prominence that nuclear power has attained and the role it has played in the shifting of popular attitudes towards science and technology, in general. The paper shows how this technology - although critical to the production of energy in places such as Ontario - is also viewed with fear and scepticism by much of the population.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Popular Fears of Nuclear Power
The Post-Chernobyl Costs of Nuclear Power
The Future Role of Nuclear Power in Our Society
Conclusion
From the Paper "Unless science and technology discover some previously unknown form of energy, it is clear that nuclear power technology - despite popular anxiety - is likely to expand its significance in our society in the future. There is simply no alternative energy supply to fossil fuels that can offer the large amounts of energy that nuclear power offers. Moreover, in a political environment where fossil fuels are also viewed with considerable negativity among the public for contributing to pollution and global warming, even the negative optics of nuclear power may be lessened in comparison. Thus, while it is admittedly impossible to make certain predictions about the future role of nuclear power in our society given the variables of public opinion as well as the political, economic and environmental issues to be considered, nevertheless I believe that in the immediate future humanity will be compelled to revisit the use of nuclear power to sustain itself."
