Physics 201- Fall 2002
“What is Science?” Problem
Due November 18
We’re nearing the end of our journey of understanding the world and how it
works. (The journey does continue with PHYS 202 in the spring semester, but I realize
that many of you will probably not be taking it,… but please do consider taking it!) One
of the skills I had hoped we would all improve during this semester was the classic
“critical thinking”. That can mean so many things, depending on what discipline you’re
studying. What does it mean in the context of physics? Well, I would say that it means
understanding what a scientific theory is and being able to generate one yourself or
analyze and critique somebody else’s.
Of course such analysis requires logical thought, but is there more? I would say,
“yes.” I think that logic is certainly a large portion of what we do, but logic is used in
many fields that aren’t necessarily scientific. So, what I’m asking you is: What is
science? Or, what makes a scientific theory? Yes, this is an essay,… with words.
This is a fairly broad topic, so let me put it context. I want to discuss some
theories people have proposed about certain electrical phenomena, before the semester
ends. To do this, I think it is important to first think about what makes something
scientific. You’re free to take any angle of this as long as you answer the question(s):
What is science? Or, what makes a scientific theory?
I’m including some material that may help spark some creativity. I’m including
some questions below that you might want to consider in the essay. Also, I’m giving you
a copy of one committee’s thoughts for six criteria that can be used to determine if a
theory is scientific. Also, I’ve copies a couple sections from the book Physics in the Real
World by Keith Lockett. For the most part, this book describes a real life context
(ordinary or otherwise) and explains the physics involved; however, these sections deal
more with psuedoscience. Again, they are meant as possible starting points for your
thoughts. (I’ve highlighted some of Lockett’s questions which you now have enough
physics to answer and therefore address the specific situations he describes. Though
these aren’t part of this assignment.)
As far as the logistics go, these essays should be typed, roughly 2 pages, double
spaced. If you want to write more, please do, but don’t kill yourself. Yes, spelling
grammar, structure and citations do matter. How you communicate your thoughts is
important in all walks of life.
