Science as an Integral Part of Our Daily Lives - Coursework Example

Science is an integral part of our daily lives that whether consciously or subconsciously, we use its core principles and we apply them. From our ancestors, with their crude methods, they have set forth the benchmark which provides for the superfluity of knowledge and technology that insists upon us today. With the old adage that nothing in this world remains constant, science becomes a primary substantiation to this age-old notion. We only have to take a few steps back in the previous years of our lives to be able to fathom the impact that it brings. The convenience that it provides makes for the expediency we avail. PART I By using the precepts of the scientific methods, it follows that critical thinking in essence is employed. This is not limited to the study of science but to all other disciplines which delves on sought-after solutions to problems. Through the testing and answering of personal questions which leads to plausible answers scientific thinking is used. This is in essence thinking correctly and coming up with reliable answers in most aspects in life. The process of scientific thinking and critical thinking is one and the same in practice and theory. It may only be within the grounds of who uses what wherein the difference lies but both are used by human beings regularly (Schafersman, 1997). Upon arriving at home and finding out that the light would not turn on begins the process of scientific inquiry. Faced with the recognition of a change within the surroundings of the house, the initial progression within the method was conceived, the acknowledgement of a problem. Simple logic suggests that one should exhaust efforts to locate and solve the problem. The mature thing to do is to remedy the dilemma sensibly and not be infantile about the situation. When a problem arises, it only becomes aggravated when not dealt with the utmost perception of common reason. Step 1 – Identify the Problem In this case the problem encompasses a number of things. The fact that the lights would not turn on is the main problem. Second, it is already well within the night and I would be hesitant about calling a handyman for reasons that include, one, I would assume it is already past their working schedule and two, I have some confidence I may be able to solve the problem myself. Another problem that comes with it is that the problem is located in part of the house which is dark and would therefore be a further complication on the matter at hand. Step 2- Gather Information On this stage the most conceivable thing to do is to go back in memory and think of the most relevant details that might have caused the problem of the light that would not work. Was I able to pay my electric bill on time? Maybe I have overlooked it because I forgot the date or maybe I did not have the money to pay for it and they shut off my electricity while I was away at work. Or the most logical thing, I saw that the bulb flickered the night before and I know for a fact that it has not been replaced for years now. Step 3- State the Hypothesis By process of deduction, I eliminate the possibility that I did not pay my electric bill since I make sure that I diligently allot money for it and I pay on time exactly to avoid such incidence. I then move on to the most rational explanation that the light would not turn on because the bulb is already busted as exhibited that previous night. Base on this hypothesis I proceed that the best and therefore most logical thing to do is replace it with a new one. Step 4- Experimentation Just to be positive of my hypothesis I turn the switch on again in the hopes that it might still work. Since it was ineffective I proceed to turning off the switch to ensure safety and look for a new bulb and perhaps a ladder to be able to replace it. In the event that there is no ladder, I proceed to the next best thing and figure out a way to be able to reach the bulb using other furniture to substitute for it. I then go to the shed where I keep most things to look for a bulb to change the old one, in the event that I did not find one, I go to my car and drive to the nearest 24-hour convenience store because I am aware that they are available there. When I already have the new bulb at hand, I would reach the ballast and secure my new bulb. Finally, for this step, I turn on the switch and test whether or not my solution worked. Step 5- Conclusion After experimentation, my light was working properly again. It is therefore concluded that the problem was due to an old bulb that needed replacement. Following the scientific process I was able to solve the lighting problem in my house all by myself. Based on this experience, I also became vehement in ensuring that all my electrical equipments are working properly and that they should be checked consistently so that I would not be compromised in the wee hours of the night. Applying the steps I was able to solve a daily life problem logically without losing my composure. Instead of being irrational and being unable to think straight, I employed critical thinking in solving a predicament and faced a problem head-on reasonably. Keeping calm, which is perhaps one of the most important traits a scientist should have was utilized in the situation presented. PART II Science is a fundamental part of our daily lives. We, as an entire race, cannot live without it. Even from the moment before our conception to even after the day that we die, it is used in what seems to be the most inconsequential to the most essential parts of our everyday existence. It is continuous and simultaneous with our evolution as human beings. The convenience that it provides makes it apparent that our daily grind becomes much more tolerable and consequently perplexed. In the book, ‘Science of Everyday Things’ by Judson Knight, he illustrated and enumerated the many things for which we use science for. From simple numbers and measurements to the most complex principles in chemistry, he expounded on the necessity of science as we apply it in the plainest to the most complex parts of our lives. One example which he has illustrated on how science works are colloids as discovered by Robert Brown, to whom the ‘Brownian Motion’ was named after is characterized by the zigzag motion in water exhibited by the suspension of colloids. This homogenous trait that fascinates most children including adults exhibits itself in how we see dust particles in the translucent beam of sunlight. He explains that this is due to dispersion, which shows it in repetitive motion that results from the movement in a fluid of molecules. The ‘Tyndall Effect’ characterized by the dust particles in sunlight is actually colloidal dispersion as seen being reflected (2002). From the time that I wake up I employ science in almost my every move. When the alarm rings, science is already present. Time is a product of science. It has developed over generations and the way that we use it is methodical in the very sense. It is a system which runs our routine. The scientific method is even used by testing the hotness or coldness of the running water. Taking a bath, I use science to determine if the shower is running in my preferred temperature. Picking out what clothes to wear also involves critical thinking. I have to look out the window to determine the weather I should expect for the day. If I could infer that it would be humid then I would logically choose to wear clothes apt for the weather, in the same way that if I see that it might be cloudy outside, then I would scientifically choose to wear something that would be fitting for the day ahead. At school, scientific inquiry and the scientific process is also a part of how I go about my daily routine. From where to seat in class to relate it to my vision and relative to the professor’s voice, these are all science at work. Deciding whether or not to go to the library and what books to borrow also involves a lot of critical thinking which is suggestive of a scientist. The works that I am delegated to finish is circumspect around the notion that science in one way or another is being used constantly. With this notion comes the fact that because of science and the methodical way that we view things, we are being dependent upon logic to answer all our problems. Instinct is more often than not being seconded because rational thinking becomes the benchmark for most matters that concern us. It has become a seldom occurrence when we rely solely on gut feeling to lead us in the decisions that would in actuality shape our lives ahead. But we have also to consider that a plethora of scientists start from a hunch that led them to the discoveries that we have today. We have in certain ways become overly analytical and complacent in the system that we have ultimately rested upon. This has taught me that the science is inculcated within us and that the life that we have systematically chosen to live by is a result of a number of steps which is identical to the scientific process whether we are aware of it or not. Our lives is a constant flurry of decisions and as common sense would suggest we always want to come up with the best possible answer to be able to make sound decisions. This is where science holds its advantage above all the others. It stems out of an approach that has proven itself time and again. Its consistency and development makes it an essential part of our lives minutely or massively. “Being a good scientist requires patience, perseverance, imagination, curiosity, and skepticism” (Rothchild, 2006). Being an ideal person also requires the same characteristics. A combination of all makes not only for a good scientist but also for a logically able and exceptional person determined to make the fullest out of all situations. To be able to grow, as science continues to change and expand is the main purpose of our being and on the realization of simple things that were not in the forefront before is the quest that both, life and science, continues to explore. Bibliography Deming, D. (2008). Design, Science and Naturalism. Earth-Science Reviews , 49-70. Ducheyne, S. (2006). Reid’s Adaptation and Radicalization of Newton’s Natural Philosophy. History of European Ideas , 173-189. Gelman, S. A. (2004). Psychological Essentialism in Children. TRENDS in Cognitive Sciences , 404-409. Knight, J. (2002). Science of Everyday Things Volume 1: Real-Life Chemistry. Michigan: Gale Group. Rothchild, I. (2006). Induction, Deduction, and the Scientific Method. Ohio: Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc. Schafersman, S. D. (1997, January 15). Retrieved September 20, 2009, from Miami University: Available: http://www.muohio.edu/~schafesd/documents/intro-to-sci.htmlx Read More