Abstract This paper discusses the effect of ideology on Sovietscience 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 Sovietscience, but then argues that Sovietscience 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 explains that Richard Lewontin in his book "Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA" presents a view of science that challenges the popular conception of science as a methodical quest for objective knowledge, which exists outside of the political and social structures of human society. The author points out that the book, which is based on Lewontin's lectures for the 1990 Massey Lectures, focuses on Lewontin's area of scientific specialty biology with a particular emphasis on genetics. The paper relates that the book's component chapters each address and subvert popular myths of science that, for many people, render its practices and practitioners beyond the realm of social and political thought.
From the Paper "Richard Lewontin, in his book Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA, presents a view of science that challenges the popular conception of science as an methodical quest for objective knowledge that exists outside of the political and social structures of human society. This book, based on Lewontin's lectures for the 1990 Massey Lectures, focuses on Lewontin's area of scientific specialty: biology, with a particular emphasis on genetics. The book's component chapters each address, and subvert, popular myths of science that - for many people - render its practices and practitioners beyond the realm of social and political thought."
Abstract The paper states that after World War ll the two Allied powers that had won the war, the United States and the Soviets, were in disagreement as to how Europe should be reconfigured. The two sides distrusted one another and as a result, the Soviets took control of much of the Eastern half of Europe, while the Americans took possession of much of the Western half. The paper discusses the effects, results and outcome of this "cold war."
From the Paper "Warsaw Pact forces were also employed in the year 1968 as the bitter conclusion to the Prague Spring, a period of increasing liberalization and reform under Alexander Dub ek's government in Czechoslovakia. The Czechoslovaks had been growing increasingly bold, even announcing on television that they disagreed with the Warsaw Pact, asserting their willingness to defend their country's sovereignty, should the Soviets attempt a similar invasion as the one that put a bloody end to the Hungarian Revolution twelve years prior. Unfortunately, the Czechoslovaks were not in fact able to defend their sovereignty; the Soviets, including Russian, Polish, Hungarian, and Bulgarian forces, invaded the country on August, 20, 1968. The invasion was justified by the Brezhnev Doctrine: "When forces that are hostile to socialism try to turn the development of some socialist country towards capitalism, it becomes not only a problem of the country concerned, but a common problem and concern of all socialist countries." But it was only the Soviet Union who would have the right define what "capitalism" and "socialism" were to mean - any version of socialism that varied in the least bit from the Soviet model, so the invasion's message rang clear, could expect to suffer the wrath of all aligned countries."
Tags: cold, war, eastern, block, soviet, eastern, europe
Abstract This research paper discusses the collapse of the Soviet Union and its empire in 1989-91 and the future of Eastern Europe after Soviet domination. The paper concludes that the events of 1989 marked the end of the communist revolution. For more than forty years, the West had contained the Soviet Union behind the Iron Curtain, while the inherent faults of Soviet communism, embodied in the flawed policies of its leadership, brought about the inevitable collapse of the Soviet empire. The author discusses the fall of communism which presented humanity with a historic chance to progress a few feet forward. The author argues that only when democracy and capitalism reach the roots of society, however, can these ideas blossom into true positive change in the post-communist world.
From the paper:
"What happened in 1989 was not a revolution itself, but actually the final nail in the coffin of a revolution. The fall of the Soviet Union represented the end of a forty-year challenge to democracy and market capitalism, both of which had already been established as the status quo (at least of Europe, the main "battlefield" of the Cold War). The revolution of western democracy and capitalism began in 1642 in England where the first popular rebellion against a monarchy brought about the execution of King Charles I. Less than a decade later, Thomas Hobbes, at least partially inspired by the upheaval in England, published his famous work Leviathan. Although he advocated submission to the absolute supremacy of the state, Hobbes was not concerned whether that state was ruled by a king or a parliament, and this non-commitment to monarchy laid the intellectual foundations for the development of democratic political theory. John Locke soon bridged the gap between Hobbes? realism and what would become liberalism with the ideas of majority rule, natural rights, property rights, and the responsibility of the state to uphold these ideals. Montesquieu added the issues of separated and balanced governmental powers, and Rousseau defended self-determination and civil liberty. Adam Smith introduced the world to comparative advantage and put forth the belief that the ability of every citizen to make his own economic choices created the most prosperous economy. The ideas of these philosophers, along with Madison, Jefferson, Ricardo, and ?the rest,? inspired more revolutions in America in 1776, France in 1789, across Europe in 1848, and again in American in 1860."
Abstract This essay examines and discusses the impact of World War II on the development of science and technology. The discussion includes several examples, mainly pertaining to the development of nuclear science, weapons, medical research and genetics. The writer points out that since the end of World War II there has been an almost complete merger of science and technology, and governments and the industry now support most pure science research. Further, the writer notes that according to McClellan and Dorn, the example of the atomic bomb development in the US during World War II marks a watershed in the history of modern science and technology.
Abstract This paper examines the responsibility of educators to provide gifted students with special attention. However, the author also states that all students should be provided the opportunity to be educated in a community where their talents and potential can be recognized and nurtured. The paper provides research-based considerations which support an educational philosophy that fosters the innate curiosity of not only gifted middle-school science students but all students. The author contends that these considerations on the part of the teacher will help enable and inspire students to organize content knowledge, make observations, evaluate evidence, think critically, solve problems, apply knowledge within multiple contexts, work as team members and clearly communicate ideas.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What Is Science?
How Scientists Do Science No Child Left Behind And Gifted Students
Preparing Students For A World Of Change
Case Studies
Case #1 - Albert Einstein
The Pestalozzi Method Of Instruction - Its Impact On Einstein
Case #2 - Charles Darwin
Darwin's Mentor
Findings From The Case Studies Of Einstein And Darwin
The Gifted Student: Reconsidered
Science And Learning
Science Learning And Teachers
Conclusions/Implications
Bibliography
From the Paper "As future doctors, geneticists, geologists, meteorologists, ecologists, and astronomers, young science students have the potential to improve their lives and gain personal satisfaction from a clear understanding of natural phenomena and its magnificence. Even those students who do not pursue scientific professions are in a position to make a great global difference by applying their scientific knowledge to voting practices and decisions as consumers. Therefore, science instructors should be responsible for ensuring that students gain a sufficient understanding of science necessary to make responsible decisions as voters and consumers and ultimately support innovative and analytical thought related to discovery. With this, it is the responsibility of teachers to recognize and address the talent that exists in their classrooms and to ensure that instruction fosters in students a desire to continue to learn and contribute to the world of science."
Abstract This paper describes how the Soviet Union hoped to use the American war in Vietnam to bring the United States and China into conflict with each other. The USSR also hoped to use this time to catch up to the US in the strategic arms race.
From the paper:
"The Soviet Union had two goals in mind regarding the conflict in Vietnam: to contain China by drawing the Chinese into conflict with the United States and to buy time to catch up with the Americans in the strategic arms race by keeping them occupied in southeast Asia. In 1957, Mao Zedong was prepared to remove China from the control of the Soviet Union. Stalin's death, the Soviet succession struggle, and his own internal political and economic positioning had made this opportunity possible."
Tags: china, soviet, union, us, ussr, vietnam, war, plan, involve
Abstract The writer of this paper contends and proves that the fall of the Soviet Union did not solve the pre-existing economical and political problems of the U.S.S.R. This paper examines how different moral and cultural values, compared to those of other western countries, contributed to Russia's downfall, in the Post-Soviet era. The writer discusses the fact that former Soviet Union countries are currently rife with poverty, poor social infrastructure and corruption. While democracy reigns in Russia at present, this paper delves into the current situation of former republics of the U.S.S.R., which are considered to be on par with third-world countries. This paper focuses on the growth of nationalism and religious extremism, which has become prevalent in Russia, in recent years. This paper also examines the lack of democratic institutions, along with no experience of actual democracy, which has resulted in a shift towards totalitarianism, in many post-Soviet republics.
From the Paper "Foreigners who visit former Soviet Union countries are often shocked by existing poverty, poor social infrastructure and corruption which erodes society from inside. It may be explained taking into consideration different historical factors: Soviet Union was based on strict dictatorship, where the interests of individual were not taken into consideration. Individual got basic facilities for living: in 1930's it was a great progress as USSR turned into a quickly developing industrial economy from a conservative and outdated agricultural one. Formal equality of all citizens created favorable conditions for unavoidable corruptions which made citizens to exploit their positions illegally in order to improve the living. There is an ethical explanation too: several generations of Soviet people didn't know what religion and morality are, as the official religion of the USSR was atheism."
Abstract This paper contends that Soviet intelligence failures prior to the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in June of 1941 were primarily due to the brutal nature of Stalinist rule and the paranoia of Joseph Stalin. It explains that the Soviet intelligence system didn't fail to detect hostile Nazi intentions and preparations for an invasion of the USSR, rather it was undermined by Stalin, who was desperate to preserve the Non-Aggression Pact he had signed with Hitler in 1939.
From the Paper "Soviet intelligence failures prior to the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in June of 1941 were primarily due to the brutal nature of Stalinist rule and the paranoia of Joseph Stalin. In a practical sense, the Soviet intelligence system didn't fail to detect hostile Nazi intentions and preparations for an invasion of the USSR, it was undermined by Stalin, who was desperate to preserve the Non-Aggression Pact he had signed with Hitler in 1939. For example, Soviet intelligence personnel, especially in the Sorge spy ring, warned Stalin throughout early 1941 that Hitler was planning to invade the USSR. In addition to the reports of human intelligence ..."
Abstract This paper explains that science education in kindergarten presents the most basic ground for students to understand that science involves them in a dynamic formation of concepts and explanations. The author points out that one teaching approach is the traditional teacher-directed form, used mainly with older students, and the other approach is the informal constructive model, which uses child-initiated activities. The paper underscores that there is no concrete research findings on which of the two approaches are more appropriate to use in kindergarten science education. Rather, many preschool classrooms employ a blend of the two teaching disciplines. The author presents the use of realias, realistic objects common in the environment, as an outstanding tool to teach children scientific concepts.
From the Paper "The scientific method can already be taught as early as child's kindergarten years. Kindergarten students must start their study of science using their five senses to observe their surroundings. The class must be set up in such a way that it would provide a motivating atmosphere where students learn to explore the physical world around them. Their natural inquisitiveness often leads them to investigate the world by observing and operating objects that are common in the surroundings. In addition, children learn to deduce their observations by gathering bits of information or data for them to base their scientific explanations."
Tags: constructive, child-initiated, blend, realia, dark
Abstract This paper explains why the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. The explanations range from Russian history and faults in Marxist theory, to Stalin, Gorbachev, and others. It explains why the collapse was inevitable, stating that, from the beginning, Russia was isolated and backwards and that Marx never had Russia in mind for reformation. It also examines the role the U.S. played in the collapse and what the Soviet Union's leaders did wrong.
From the Paper "Even though the Soviet Union survived events such as a civil war, the Russo-Japanese war, and both world wars, it finally collapsed in 1991. This happened despite the benefits communism gave it. The failure of the USSR to remain a world superpower was attributed to many factors. Some factors include faults in Marxist theory and those of the Soviet Union's leaders. Others include Russia not being suited for communism, and external forces determined to bring down the Soviet Union."
Tags: communism, gorbachev, marx, russia, soviet, stalin, states, union, united
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the Cold War as the result of Soviet Expansionism. The writer maintains that the expansionism was fueled, in part, by Stalin's paranoia. The writer studies the roots of Soviet expansionist activities. Further, the writer discusses expansionist policies in the post-World War II era.
From the Paper "World War II was the most horrific and costly conflict ever waged on planet earth The world emerged from the fighting, bloodied and exhausted only to be plunged directly into a wider and more insidious conflict the so-called Cold War, which held the world in its icy grip for over four decades. Historians and scholars have argued bitterly about the causes and consequences of the Cold War. This paper will advance the argument that the Cold War was the direct result of Soviet expansionist policies coupled with ... "
Tags: Stalin, Soviet Union, Cold War, expansionism, paranoia
Abstract This paper argues that of the three causes of the Soviet breakup that have been offered, political, economic, and ethnic, the economic solution is the true one and crosses over the other two. The paper notes that 70 years of Socialist government had damaged the ability of the Soviet Union even to feed her population, let alone to cope with the many economic issues she had to face, especially with political decisions for increased spending on security and to counter the West, decisions which increased the amount of money that had to be spent each year.
Argues that the Soviet absolutism we see in the Russian leaders of today has its origins in Russian history and is an inherent aspect of Russian society.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper argues that Putin's authority in Russia today draws upon the same wellspring of absolutism that fuelled the power and destructiveness of the Red Czar, Stalin. In this analysis, the Soviet absolutism of the 20th century is rooted in Russian traditions that stretch back for centuries under the Czarist empire. In this context the Soviet era desire for a strong absolutist leader who will fix things will be seen to have been a recurring element in Russian society for much of its history.
From the Paper "Today, in the early 21st century, Soviet Russia of the 20th century and the Czarist empire of the centuries before that are shadows of history remembered - if at all - through Cold War spy thrillers and the memories of an older generation of Ukrainians, Russians, and East Europeans whose lives were shaped or destroyed by Soviet power. In the popular view, Russia is a westernized - if corrupt - no different from many authoritarian "democracies" around the world. This essay will argue, however, that this view of Russia is radically flawed."
Abstract In this article the writer examines how even though in 1942, Adolf Hitler almost defeated the Soviet Union, the Soviets somehow managed to achieve victory in 1945. The writer researches the debate regarding the reasons why Hitler was defeated. The writer notes that it seems probable, however, that no single event caused Hitler's defeat. In this essay, the writer looks at the various issues that may have contributed to the defeat of the Nazi army.
From the Paper "In 1942, Adolf Hitler all but had the army of the Soviet Union defeated. In 1945, however, the Soviets snatched victory from his grasp. There exists some debate as to why Hitler was defeated. It seems probable, however, that no single event caused Hitler's defeat. One possible cause was that Hitler made the decision not to attack Moscow during his initial invasion. In addition, Hitler underestimated the capabilities of the Soviet army. At the same time, he overestimated his own capabilities. All of these things may have contributed to the defeat of the Nazi army. Why then, did Hitler find defeat that the hands of the Soviets? How did these factors contribute? Were there other factors that led to Hitler's defeat?"
