Scientific Theories Essay Example for Free

Scientific Theories Essay One of the major preoccupations of XX’s century scientific philosophers was the development of complex scientific theory explaining how science comes to be and how it works. Since 1900-s several basic theories have been proposed to explain science. This paper aims to provide an overview of those theories especially concentrating on ideas of scientific revolution by Thomas S. Kuhn. Already David Hume in â€Å"A Treatise of Human Nature† noticed, that we can never truly prove the existence of casual laws but we can only perceive them and their consequences. And as we can not know the truth about laws, we can never know the law itself, so it is always open for reconsideration. W.V. Quine went even further by proposing, that even mathematical theorems can from time to time be revised if necessary. Thusly they have created grounds for illogical negativism, under which no statement can be recognized absolutely true. In the 1920-s Moritz Schlicks and Hans Reichenbach offered another view which they called logical positivism. Basically recognizing that no statement can be true or false a priory, logical positivists held that every piece of knowledge is based on logics of â€Å"protocol sentences† based on observable events. In order to be recognized true or false a statement is to meet a verifiability criterion. Only in this case a statement can be recognized meaningful. However, some of the positivists noticed, that even non-verifiable statements may have some cognitive value[1]. In the 1930-s Karl Popper raised criticism against positivist model and introduced a theory based on ideas of practicing scientists. Under his idea scientific progress is achieved by rejection of earlier false theories and creation of a new theory when the old one no longer fits the empiric facts. The new theory is therefore closer to truth. So physics of Aristotle has been replaced by physics of Newton and physics of Newton by the one of Einstein. Every new theory explains the world in new terms and on a new level, Progressive theory has been sharply criticized by Thomas Kuhn in his â€Å"Structure of Scientific Revolutions†, published in 1962. Under his idea, scientific progress is a set of dominant structures, which he called paradigms.   Scientific research passes through stages of â€Å"normal† development including solving of current problems and â€Å"revolutionary stage†. Revolutionary stage or paradigm shift means testing of new theories and assumptions which causes a state of crisis in the old theories, when paradigms are sufficiently unprecedented to attract an enduring group of adherents away from competing modes of scientific activity[2] For Kuhn a new paradigm is not only a new theory, but a totally new view on the world and a new way of thinking. A paradigm is not a new answer to a question, but it is revolutionary new way of putting questions themselves. Core questions of the old paradigm are rejected by a new one as those, which are no longer applicable[3]. Moreover, one paradigm can not be understood in terms of another paradigm, so changing paradigms necessarily causes a crisis. Kuhn explained this using examples from astronomy by noticing that Given a particular discrepancy, astronomers were invariably able to eliminate it by making some particular adjustment in Ptolemy’s system of compounded circles. But astronomy’s complexity was increasing far more rapidly than its accuracy and that a discrepancy corrected in one place was likely to show up in another.[4] Paradigm changes the world itself, and Kuhn offers an example of Lavoisier, who saw nature differently after discovering oxygen[5]. After scientific revolution has happened, communications are to restored between advocates of new and old theories. This is a hard and long lasting process, which often ends by physical death of the â€Å"old† scientists, because Conversions will occur a few at a time until, after the last hold-outs have died, the whole profession will again be practicing under a single, but now different, paradigm[6].   This caused claims of relativism which Kuhn himself denied in the later editions of his book. However, despite of all, Kuhn’s idea have deeply influenced the modern philosophic vocabulary. Such terms as â€Å"paradigm†, â€Å"paradigm shift†, â€Å"normal science† and â€Å"revolutionary science† are now widely applied by scientists and philosophers, especially in social science, political science and international relations theory[7]. Among the latest critics one should mention reasoning by Paul Feyerabend. He noticed, that there were many cases in the history of science, when scientists considered their theories a priory accurate long after some facts are discovered, which demonstrate the weakness of the theory. Under Feyerabend’s assumption there exist certain forms of scientific thinking, which allow scholars to recognize certain theories as scientific. So methodology of science can be pluralistic and include methods from different periods. New methods of reasoning do not substitute old ones, but they enter the scientific cannon together and mutually influence each other[8]. Works Cited Friedman, Michael, (1999) Reconsidering Logical Positivism. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press Thomas S. Kuhn (1996) The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, University Of Chicago Press; 3 edition Fuller S. (2000) Thomas Kuhn: A Philosophical History for Our Times. Chicago: University of Chicago Press Bird A. (2000) Thomas Kuhn. Princeton and London: Princeton University Press and Acumen Press Paul K. Feyerabend (1999) Knowledge, Science and Relativism. Vol. 3, Cambridge [1]   Friedman, Michael, (1999) Reconsidering Logical Positivism. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, p,- 43 [2] Thomas S. Kuhn   (1996) The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, University Of Chicago Press; 3 edition, p.-10 [3] Fuller S. (2000) Thomas Kuhn: A Philosophical History for Our Times. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p.-70 [4] Thomas S. Kuhn   (1996) ibidem, p.-65 [5] Supra note, p.- 118 [6] Supra note, p.-152 [7] Bird A. (2000) Thomas Kuhn. Princeton and London: Princeton University Press and Acumen Press. p.- 113 [8] See: Paul K. Feyerabend (1999) Knowledge, Science and Relativism. Vol. 3, Cambridge University Press

Speech of How to Make Choices :: essays research papers

Every moment in one?s life should not be passed by, but cherished as if it were to be the last moment they live. Taking time to think about the next step in your life is cherishing your life. The choice made in every moment of life will end up affecting you good or bad. One needs to realize that they need to think two steps ahead instead of one and end up falling behind. That is why I have taken the liberty to measure the pros and cons of a tremendous decision about to be made. In this presentation, you will find that I have given much thought into this choice. Just because I get more goods than bad or vice versa, does not mean I did not follow my heart, choosing the decision that will make me happy. Many may not agree with my choice, but I came to realize and thought to myself that ?You know what, that?s not my problem.? There may be consequences to life?s decisions, but we all can learn from mistakes, only mistakes, never regret. If you know how to make good decisions then you can write your life. It takes making the decision to do so on a consistent basis. First, I considered the consequences of my actions. I let long term goals overshadow the thrill of short-term benefits. I have written down on a piece of paper both the short-term and long- term benefits and the short-term and long-term consequences of any action. I took the necessary time I needed to think this decision out to its conclusion. This does not mean procrastinate. That will put me in danger of not controlling my life and/or my business. I will not be able to steer either to the desired outcome. I asked about the benefits and drawbacks that they have experienced. It is important to keep in mind that although others may give advice it is still my task to make a final decision and you must bear the responsibility of it.

Does a Person Need to be Smart to Become a Millionaire Essay

Indeed, an individual’s brilliance is necessitated in order for him/her to become a millionaire. Allow me to explain further. In order to achieve the status of a millionaire, an individual ought to â€Å"realize that making money is just the first step to success† (June.. n. p. ). Of course, for a person to reach such a realization, he or she needs to possess intelligence or brilliance (June.. n. p. ). If he or she is incapacitated and cannot realize this, then he or she will never make it as a millionaire (June.. n. p. ). Simply put, an individual cannot get to the top without starting somewhere and knowing where to start entails being smart (June.. n. p. ). So, yes, a person needs to be smart to become a millionaire (June.. n. p. ). Second, even if an individual has the means to earn money, say through a business, or a regular job, if he or she does not know how to â€Å"grow his or her money† then it is useless, he or she will never b able to save a big amount such as a million (June.. n. p. ). Again here, â€Å"growing the money† requires a great mind (June.. . p. ). An individual should be a critical thinker, knowing where to invest his or her money for it to be able to grow (June.. n. p. ). Clearly, we realize again through the aforementioned that a person needs to be smart to become a millionaire (June.. n. p. ). Third, although a person realizes that he or she ought to make money, and even though he or she knows how to â€Å"grow the money†, if he or she does not know how to â€Å"preserve, keep, and protect it† then it is useless, his or effort will only lead to nothing (June.. .n. p. ). He or she will not become a millionaire if he or she does not have the intellect to â€Å"preserve, keep, and protect it† (June.. n. p. ). For instance, if an individual invested his or her money then it grew, but his wife or her husband, say, requested that a new car be bought, although it is unnecessary to purchase such at the moment and the wife or the husband obliged to getting one without thinking twice or just because he or she was just too emotional (say, excited about having a new car as well) then instead of becoming a millionaire, the money will just be lessened if not totally spent (June.. . p. ). See, an individual who is extremely subjective and cannot be very objective in making decisions with regards to preserving, keeping, and protecting money will never achieve the title, â€Å"millionaire† (June.. n. p. ). Remember that a person who is extremely subjective and cannot be objective is not smart and not being smart leads to loss of money (June.. n. p. ). Therefore, a person needs to be smart to become a millionaire (June.. n. p. ). Fourth, a person needs to know important technical terms in order to become a millionaire (June.. . p. ). Some of these terminologies include the following: †cover trusts, estate planning, asset protection, insurance and other wealth preservation strategies† (June.. n. p. ). Understanding the definitions of each and how it works involves a brilliant mind (June.. n. p. ). If an individual cannot at all be aware of and identify with all these, then there is no guarantee that he or she can become a millionaire (June.. n. p. ). Thus, a person really needs to be smart to become a millionaire (June.. . p. ). Fifth, an individual should be able to accept that to become a millionaire saving and investing should be carried out early in life (June.. n. p. ). If he or she does not realize such fact then he or she cannot be categorized as smart (June.. n. p. ). This is why a person really needs to be smart to become a millionaire someday (June.. n. p. ). Last but not least, a person who thinks that becoming a millionaire can happen overnight is not really a great or critical thinker (June.. n. p. ). A person as such is exactly the opposite of intelligent or smart since he or she depends on luck rather than on certain essentials like industriousness & being wise (June.. n. p. ). For example, he or she may opt to gamble because he or she believes that his or money will double through lotteries, casinos, card games, pyramiding scams etc (June.. n. p. ). A person who does this is not brilliant enough to entertain such thoughts and actually carry it out since it is too risky (June.. n. p. ). On a final note, it takes someone smart to become a millionaire really.

Life on the Road Essay

â€Å"Life on the Road† was in my opinion written to entertain, but also to inform the reader about a hitch hikers life. The author explained the basics of his everyday journeys and how they affected him. He explained how he had to adapt to certain ways of living, from where he would sleep to where he was going to find food the next day. Surprisingly traveling also taught him how to better present himself. For example, he learned to stand, instead of sit while trying to catch a ride. This showed his determination and a more favorable self portrayed image. The lifestyle he was used to living had completely changed. He no longer had luxuries easily handed to him as we Americans do today. I also believed he wrote this article in order for us to recognize the small, but important factors in life that we usually miss considering the busy life most of us lead now a days. Wertz said, â€Å"I was gone only three months, but in those three months I felt heart. † (Wertz, 13). His view on society and life changed completely after his experience on the road. Being alone on the streets forced him to learn how to fend for himself and learn how to interact differently with people. Through out his encounters he learned there is many kinds of people. He met very beautiful people, overly happy people, extremely rude people, and sadly even people suffering worse than he was. Traits he never knew he had like sympathy peeked their head out and taught him that even though he was struggling, there are still a tremendous amount of people out in the world that have it worse than he did. His journey led him through many challenges, but mainly taught him more about how special life really is.

Mozart Essays - Mozart Family, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Free Essays

Mozart Essays - Mozart Family, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Free Essays Mozart Yekaterina Todika Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized in Salzburg Cathedral on the day after his birth as Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus. The first and last given names come from his godfather Joannes Theophilus Pergmayr, although Mozart preferred the Latin form of this last name, Amadeus, more often Amade, or the Italiano Amadeo. Whatever the case may be, he rarely-if ever-used Theophilus in his signature. The name Chrysostomus originates from St. John Chrysostom, whose feast falls on the 27th of January. The name Wolfgang was given to him in honor of his maternal grandfather, Wolfgang Nikolaus Pertl. He was the seventh and last child born to musical author, composer and violinist, Leopold Mozart and his wife Anna Maria Pertl. Only Wolfgang and Maria Anna (whose nickname was Nannerl) survived infancy. He was born in a house in the Hagenauersches Haus in Salzburg, Austria, on the 27th of January, 1756. The paternal ancestry of the family has been traced back with some degree of certainty to Fndris Motzhart, who lived in the Augsburg area in 1486; the name is first recorded, for a Heinrich Motxhart in Fischach, in 1331, and appears in other villages south-west of Augsburg, notably Heimberg, from 14th century. The surname was spelled in variety of forms, including Moxarth, Mozhrd and Mozer. His mothers family came mainly from the Salzburg region, but one branch may be traced to Krems-Stein and Wien. They mostly followed lower middle-class occupations; some were gardeners. 2 Though Mozart did not walk until he was three years old, he displayed musical gifts at extremely early age. At the age of four, he could reproduce on the piano a melody played to him; at five, he could play violin with perfect intonation. According to Norbert Elias, it took all of thirty minutes for Mozart to master his first musical composition. The work , a scherzo by Georg Christoph Wagenseiil, had been copied by his father into Nannerls notebook. Below it Leopold jotted: This piece was learned by Walfgangerl on 24 January 1791, 3 days before his 5th birthday, between 9 and 9:30 in the evening. (68) Mozart and his sister never attended school because their father dedicatedly and instructed them at home. Besides music, he taught them German, Italian, Latin, history science, mathematics and law. According to Ruth Halliwell, recognizing his childrens special abilities, Leopold began to devote extra effort to their education-with an emphasis on musical instruction. He became a loving, but exacting, taskmaster. Some time later, he would somewhat ruefully describe to correspondent how from a very early age Nannerl and Wolfgang had learned to wear the iron shirt of discipline. The children themselves probably never relaxed that life could be any different. Wolfgang, no doubt, enjoyed the extra attention and found great pleasure in learning-and in pleasing his father. It was the start of relationship that he would never quite break free of, and the beginning of a career that would consume him altogether.(38} When the six-year-old Wolfgang had provided his extraordinary talents at the keyboard, Leopold was keen to exhibit those talents along with those of his gifted pianists daughter, Nannerl. Thus Leopold undertook a four month tour to Vienna and the 3 surrounding area, visiting every noble house and palace he could find, taking the entire family with him. Mozarts first know public appearance was at Salzburg University in September of 1761, when he took part in theatrical performance with music by Eberlin. Like other parents of this time, Leopold Mozart saw nothing wrong in exhibiting, or in exploiting, his sons God-given genius for music. He took Walfgang and Nannerl to Munchen, for about three weeks from January 12th, 1762, where they played the harpsichord before the Elector of Bavaria. No documentation survived for that journey. Later ones are better served-Leopold was a prolific correspondent and also kept travel diaries. The next started on September 18th, 1762, when the entire family set off for Wein; they paused at Passau and Linz where the young Wolfgang gave his firs public recital at The Trinity Inn, Linz, on October 1st, 1762. Soon afterwards, he amazed the Empress at Schonbrunn Castel and all her royal guests with fasc inating keyboard tricks; playing with the keys covered with a cloth, with his

Biomedical And Biopsychosocial Models

Biomedical And Biopsychosocial Models Health may be defined as ‘the absence of disease and infirmary’ (Stroebe, 2000) or alternatively ‘not merely an absence of disease or infirmary but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being (World Health Organisation, 1948). One definition more elaborate than the other, the latter suggesting health is effected by other factors that cannot be physically measured. Since the start of evolution people have looked back to try to explain and understand the factors that influence human functions in relation to health and illness. Many theorists developed perspectives and models of health in order to show health professionals how to promote and improve health in society (Wade although evidence was limited it built the ground work for interesting studies that would link personality to disease (Morrisson & Bennett, 2006). Convincingly, today, it is thought two-thirds of our behaviour can be linked to our health (Morrisson & Bennet, 2006). The biopsychosoci al model is both objective and subjective in its application. With this, a humanistic approach can be taken and it is thought that behaviour disorders appear when self-actualisation is blocked. The dietitian using this model would look at a person’s lifestyle, and social and cultural factors that affect the individual’s health behaviour. Reasons behind this behaviour can be established and methods for changing it to improve health can be established.

Discussion Paper on Utilitarian Theory and Duty Oriented Theory Essay

Discussion Paper on Utilitarian Theory and Duty Oriented Theory - Essay Example This rule is applied directly to a selection of particular actions under particular events (Mill). This implies that there are no fixed principles that can be established before the occurrence of any specific event, and that the particular action that works for the greater benefit of society should be the preferred method. Hence the judgment on what constitutes the ‘greater good’ is of extreme importance when following act utilitarianism. There can be counter arguments to the aforementioned notion because, while the majority’s verdict may satisfy everyone in the short run, it may have negative implications for everyone in the long run. This raises concerns over the guaranteed presence of someone shrewd enough to judge what constitutes the greater good of the society. Rule Utilitarianism:- Rule utilitarianism states that it is our duty to abide by rules designed for the greater total good and produce consequences better than those produced by any other rules. This doctrine is applied to a selection of a set of rules which are then used to determine what to do in particular situations. The primary argument of rule utilitarianism is that there should be pre established rules that define what constitutes the greater good. ... Duty Oriented Theories: Duty oriented theories fall under the category of nonconsequentalists theories. Nonconsequentalists believe that there can be rules to guide moral judgments independent of consequences. The underlying argument of these theories is that the means justify the ends rather than the other way round and if the moral conduct undertaken to achieve an acceptable consequence is incorrect than the entire act is incorrect. There are several theories that follow this school of thought. The divine command theory suggests that moral conduct is judged on the basis of the level of fulfillment of rules laid down by a higher authority. This is an extreme end of the nonconsequentalists theories that seeks to abandon control completely. Emanuel Kant was one of the key contributors to duty oriented ethics. Kant’s theory stems from his arguments about misconceptions about the purpose of life and what makes one happy. He argues that if the purpose of life was to achieve happin ess, we shall all seek gratification and pleasure and believe that it shall lead to happiness. But happiness is not within out power to achieve, and is at times, a matter of luck. He also suggests that if we are to avoid skepticism, our ethics should be rational, unconditional and universal. Kant believes that it is not important that the consequences be of our choice, but the thinking behind our choices. He argues that the only one kind of thing that is inherently good is good will. Kant proposed a categorical imperative that shall guide our moral behavior. The categorical imperative argues that One should act on only those maxims (rules of action)