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Science and Religion in the 17th Century, 2008.
An analysis of the interaction between science and religion in the 17th century.
1,523 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the intense interaction between science and religion in the 17th century had an ultimately positive effect on human civilization over the succeeding centuries. The paper explains that these interactions produced played an instrumental role in generating the Enlightenment of the 18th century, which transformed the world, freed humanity from the bonds of religious dogma, and produced long-term benefits ranging from greatly expanded scientific learning to the dramatic emergence and development of democratic systems of government. The paper then points out that religion and science also clashed in the 17th century because they offered incompatible answers to humanity's existence, to the functioning of the universe, and to humanity's place in it. In the context of this discussion, the paper briefly examines the works of philosophers and scientists like Nicolas Copernicus, Johannes Kepler, Galileo and Tycho Brahe.
From the Paper
"After lengthy observations and calculations, Kepler eventually discovered that although Copernicus had correctly concluded that the planets of the solar system all orbited around the sun, he had been mistaken in assuming that planetary orbits were circular instead of elliptical. The most positive contribution of Copernicus was his theory that the earth rotates each day on its axis, that it revolves on an annual basis around the sun, and that other planets also revolve around the sun. Yet as revolutionary as this theory was, it was not proven to be true until Galileo observed the heavens and made some startling discoveries that provided that proof."
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Electronic Device Warnings, 2008.
This paper critically examines the warnings included with a DVD recorder from Toshiba.
872 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper shows how the advice from Toshiba regarding its DVD recorder tends to be very general; the company notes the need to avoid power surges, but does not mention that a surge protector can itself add to the threat of damage in some cases. The paper contends that it would be more useful if the company would address the need for a surge protector, indicate which type and brand would be most effective, and explain how to match a protector to the electronics in the unit.
From the Paper
"These warnings are found on a page headed "Important Safety Instructions," including avoiding water and heat and warning to unplug the apparatus during a lightning storm. In addition, the user is warned not to touch the unit or the connecting cables during a thunderstorm (Toshiba 3).
"One of the recommendations is to unplug the device when not using it for a long period of time, and this admonition is echoed by a government report that says to unplug any appliance of electronic device that does not need to stay on when leaving for a time, such as on vacation. One rason given is that these devices draw electricity even when not in use, making this an economic move, but safety and security are also noted and can "prevent damage in case of a storm or power surge" ("Give Your Appliances a Vacation Too" para. 5)."
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Bats vs. Wind Power, 2008.
This paper looks at how wind turbines are destroying the bat species.
1,306 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how wind turbines are possibly attracting and killing bats and other wildlife. The paper relates that bats are a "keystone" species responsible for plant dispersion and pest control and serious environmental problems will result if bats die out. Since wind energy is of vital importance, the paper maintains that more research needs to be done to discover ways to avoid bat death on wind farms.
From the Paper
"Energy is a "hot button" issue in politics and in the news. Finding new ways to produce energy domestically, and free of additional pollution sources like coal, is important to people and governments around the world. Wind power offers cleaner energy production than coal and many other methods, and is less controversial than nuclear power (Williams, 20). Wind power has already proven a successful source of alternative power in the European Union. As a result, new wind farms have been built in a number of United States locations, including New York state, California, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia (Whittelsey 39). The new wind farms have been lauded as an answer to the call for cleaner energy. However, the one downside cited by environmental impact studies is that migrating bats and birds are regularly killed by the wind farm turbines(Whittelsey, 39). These animal deaths seem to happen at wind farms in all areas of the country."
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Geothermal Energy, 2008.
This paper highlights the benefits of geothermal energy as an alternative to fossil fuels.
1,084 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that geothermal power is safe, efficient, a proven technology and does not pollute, add to global warming or involve great expense. The paper explains that the main shortfall is only that geothermal resources are not available everywhere. The paper also points out that promoting geothermal plants in countries like North Korea or Iran could help control the arms race by offering alternatives to nuclear power.
Outline:
Brief History of Geothermal Energy
What is Geothermal Energy?
Benefits and Shortcomings
From the Paper
"Today geothermal energy is the primary source of power in Iceland, providing a majority of the needs for the capital Reykjavik, a modern city of 300,000 people located in a very cold climate. Geothermal energy is still used in Italy and its use has increased steadily in New Zealand, California and Japan. It has also grown steadily as a source of energy for Third World or developing economies as well, representing 27% of the total electricity generated in the Philippines, 12.4% in Kenya, and 11.4% in Costa Rica. (Dickson and Fanelli, 2007)."
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The Mathematical Contributions of Galileo, 2008.
A review of some of the important contributions of Galileo Galilei to the field of mathematics and science.
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the significant contributions of Galileo Galilei to the field of mathematics. It provides a brief history of his life and then focuses on some examples of the contributions that he made to mathematics. The paper also discusses his misinterpreted-battle between science and religion and how it overshadows many of the other contributions that Galileo made during his lifetime as a scientist and mathematician.
From the Paper
"We often hear of a Copernican revolution in science, but Galileo was the instigator of a much more fundamental revolution that influenced both science and mathematics. The worldview that Galileo created to replace the Aristotelian worldview that dominated at the time contended that the world was made up only of matter whose properties and motions could be described in terms of mathematics (Machamer). In other words, Galileo advanced the now-obvious notion that mathematics was nothing short of the language of the universe. Using mathematics, Galileo was able to describe and understand the mechanics of the universe, effectively gaining a deeper understanding of the way that the world is put together. This is Galileo's most significant contribution to mathematics. He removed the idle, superstitious philosophy from the study of the natural world and pushed mathematics to the forefront of natural inquiries, demonstrating again and again that it could be used to understand the way the world works."
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Stepran's Infinity Puzzle, 2008.
This paper discuses Stepran's infinity puzzle as an excellent method to explore the character of infinity relative to tangible outcomes.
1,625 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the solution to Stepran's infinity puzzle
is not so difficult and has nothing to do with infinity, although the calculus of this equation may in fact be infinite. The author underscores that the puzzle is not a puzzle at all and is not indicative of infinity but rather is purely an exercise in the limitations of physics. The paper agrees with Rucker's concept of infinity as simply a natural element of the universe or of being one of the basic functional elements of mathematical device. The author concludes that the useful concept of infinity is that it does naturally occupy points in both physical and mathematical space ,which truly cements it within the context of a tangible mathematical and physics principle rather than some far-off rationale construct created and identifiable only by mathematical theorists.
Table of Contents:
The Puzzle
The Solution
Response Page to Postings
Discussion
From the Paper
"Stepran's states that a person is tasked with turning a light switch off and on starting with on at 2 minutes and then in increments by half of the time remaining flipping the switch to the opposite position. On the surface the outcome appears as if it will be a simple persuasion of the ineluctable quality of time; that, time is unavoidable and all things must come to an end. Yet, as one begins the calculations it becomes apparent that the half increments are, apparently, infinite starting with two in terms of seconds: 120, 60, 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75, 1.875, .93, .46, .23, .117, .058, .029, ad infinitum, at least to the extent that a common calculator is capable of dividing."
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"The Book Nobody Read", 2008.
A brief review of "The Book Nobody Read" by Owen Gingerich.
769 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines "The Book Nobody Read" by Owen Gingerich which elegantly outlines the author's intellectual journey into scientific history that involves parties from all walks of life. The paper looks at how the book outlines a quest for knowledge from an intellectually investigative approach and tackles some social and political issues that still plague the society today. The paper also examines how the book focuses on the works of Nicolaus Copernicus.
From the Paper
"The book is organized around Gingerich's exploration of numerous copies of Copernicus classical works that made the claim that the Sun rather than the earth was the center of the universe, and all planets (including Earth) were orbiting the Sun. This is a rather profound statement that contradicts all scientific theory surrounding the existence and astronomy of the planets. The title seemed somewhat 'weird', but I later found out the origin was based on a rebuttal to a statement made by Arthuir Koestler (author of the seminal work Sleepwalkers), who called Copernicus; "the book nobody read". However Gingerich used a content analysis approach to scrutinize and examine copies of works of Copernicus and found that contrary to the statement made by Koestler, these works were read by many individuals, some were important scientists, philosophers, religious affiliates and so on."
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"Out of Gas", 2008.
This paper examines "Out of Gas" by David Goldstein that portends the fall of civilization if we remain dependent on fossil fuels.
779 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper examines David Goldstein's book "Out of Gas" where he makes the dire prediction that civilization will cease to exist by the latter half of the twenty-first century, unless society learns to live without fossil fuels. The paper describes how Goldstein covers the history of Earth and the creation of the oil reserves, global warming, the scientific theories that gave rise to the industrial revolution and the energy sources available today. The paper shows how his predictions are dire and solutions not readily apparent.
From the Paper
"The Hubbert curve is a mathematical representation of when the rate at which oil us consumed exceeds the rate that oil reserves are discovered. In 1956 he predicted that this point on the curve would be reached around 1970 (Goldstein 26). It in fact did occur just a few years latter than he predicted, but nonetheless we have been increasing our rate of consumption oil faster than our rate of discovery for just over thirty years. All the world's oil (and fossil fuel) reserves were created millions of years ago when plants absorbed large portions of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sank to the bottom of the oceans, became compressed in layers of sand, and with heat from the earth's core, became the fossil fuel deposits that we tap today. The reserves of oil are estimated to be two to two point seven trillion barrels, a supply that should last about another 40 years (Goldstein 29)."
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Tidal Power Plants, 2008.
This paper identifies tidal power as an appropriate energy technology for the British Isles and other coastal regions.
2,094 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper explores how the United Kingdom can use tidal energy to produce consistent alternative electricity. The paper looks at the two basic options for converting the kinetic energy of the tides into electrical energy. The paper examines the tidal power generation technology and the capital costs necessary and then considers the environmental impact represented by these tidal generation options.
The paper concludes that tidal power has the potential to provide a significant portion of the United Kingdom's energy needs.
Outline:
Introduction: Coastal UK and Tidal Power
Technical Considerations
Economics of Tidal Power
Environmental Impact of Tidal Power
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Developing alternative energy technologies that are reliable and site-specific can be difficult. Because alternative energy systems typically rely on locally available energy resources, they are not applicable in all situations and all circumstances. It is important to consider the potential energy resources of a given region prior to selecting an energy technology for development. For instance, it would be foolish to suggest the use of solar technology in a predominantly cloudy region, or a hydroelectric facility for an area that only seasonally has running water. The most important first consideration is to consider the site, and then determine what is the most reliable, locally available energy resource."
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Magnet Therapy, 2008.
An overview of the history of magnet therapy and its use as an alternative form of medical treatment.
1,098 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
Magnet therapy is a non-invasive alternative treatment used for many disorders ranging from anti-aging to pain control. This paper highlights the history of magnet therapy, provides a discussion on the proposed biological mechanisms of action and provides scientific peer-reviewed evidence on the effective nature of magnet therapy. The paper concludes with a reflective section on what was learned and the writer's overall feelings on the subject.
From the Paper
"Static, rather than pulsing magnetic therapy, where magnets are placed on an area and taped in place, is believed to be effective due to the increase in blood flow in the locally affected area (Ramsey, (n.d.)). Faraday's Law dictates that magnets exert a force on moving ionic currents (Ramsey, (n.d.)). Adding Hall's Law that tells us that a magnet will deflect and separate charged ions when placed perpendicular to the direction of the electrical current, one can assess the implications for circulation (Ramsey, (n.d.)). "
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Nuclear Power Generation Technology, 2008.
An examination of the general population's attitudes toward nuclear power generation technology.
1,953 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the impact on society of nuclear power generation technology. It describes the history of the global prominence that nuclear power has attained and the role it has played in the shifting of popular attitudes towards science and technology, in general. The paper shows how this technology - although critical to the production of energy in places such as Ontario - is also viewed with fear and scepticism by much of the population.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Popular Fears of Nuclear Power
The Post-Chernobyl Costs of Nuclear Power
The Future Role of Nuclear Power in Our Society
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Unless science and technology discover some previously unknown form of energy, it is clear that nuclear power technology - despite popular anxiety - is likely to expand its significance in our society in the future. There is simply no alternative energy supply to fossil fuels that can offer the large amounts of energy that nuclear power offers. Moreover, in a political environment where fossil fuels are also viewed with considerable negativity among the public for contributing to pollution and global warming, even the negative optics of nuclear power may be lessened in comparison. Thus, while it is admittedly impossible to make certain predictions about the future role of nuclear power in our society given the variables of public opinion as well as the political, economic and environmental issues to be considered, nevertheless I believe that in the immediate future humanity will be compelled to revisit the use of nuclear power to sustain itself."
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The Effect of Ideology on Soviet Science, 2007.
An analysis of the negative effects of Marxist-Leninist ideologies on Soviet science.
1,905 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the effect of ideology on Soviet science 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 Soviet science, but then argues that Soviet science 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."
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