Response:
Every so often people believe that science can solve all the problems in the world. A scientist Richard Feynman argues that science cannot solve social problems because of the complexity of beliefs and morals. However science and reasoning can manipulate and change ideas within society. For example, the technology of “communication is a strong force also, but for either good or bad” (Feynman, 130). Technology allows us to communicate in a more efficient manner by exposing large crowds in a short period of time. In many inventions like the radio and television, people are only “interested in the use of the idea, not the idea itself” (Feynman, 129). If the technology is misused, they’re maybe a bad outcome that can adjust peoples’ values.
Feynman also believes that the value of science does not match the value of religion and morals. “Our poets do not right about it; out artists do not try to portray this remarkable thing…unsung by singers…not a song or a poem, but an evening lecture about it.” (Feynman, 129). In the world of science there are only right and wrong answers whereas morals and religions could be expressed and interpreted into anyway with no absolute answer.
I enjoy this reading because it makes us realize that we take science and technology for granted. I believe that a person of today’s societies relies on science heavily and religions begin to fade away from people’s lives.
Vocabulary
Prodigiously
Source:
· Never at rest…tortured by energy…wasted prodigiously by the sun…poured into space.
Definition:
· 1. Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree
2. Unnatural or abnormal
Synonyms:
· Enormous, immense, huge, stupendous, astounding
Antonyms:
· Tiny, ordinary
Part of speech
· Adjective
Stems:
· Prodigy, ous
Origin:
· Late 15th centaury, latin
Example:
· The car consumed a prodigious amount of fuel.
Intricate
Source:
· Growing in size and complexity…living things, masses of atoms, DNA, protein…dancing a pattern ever more intricate.
Definition:
· Direct, simple
Synonyms:
· Knotty, tangled, labyrinthine
Antonyms:
· Tiny, ordinary
Part of speech
· Adjective
Stems:
· In, tric, ate
Origin:
· Late middle english, latin
Example:
· An intricate network of wireless connections.
Accumulation
Source:
· A an example, the great accumlation of understanding as to how the physical world behaves only convinces one that his behavior seems to have a kind of meaninglessness.
Definition:
· The acquisition or gradual gathering of something
Synonyms:
· Addition, collecting
Antonyms:
· Dispersion, scattering
Part of speech
· Noun
Stems:
· Accumulate, ion
Origin:
· 1480-1490
Example:
· The accumulation of money.
Questions
In our daily lives do we take science for granted?
Does science have a role in religion?
Is life trial and error, just like how Feynman described that in scientist experiences with ignorance and doubt and uncertainty?