Eastern Kentucky University
Science in Modern Society: A Lack of Understanding.
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
John Bowes
Abstract
Advancements made in science during the 1600’s created an atmosphere of controversy that would resonate into modern day discoveries. Galileo’s discovery, in the 17th century, of sunspots contradicted the universally accepted perception that the sun was actually a celestial body, being flawless. Critics of Galileo's observations attacked his methods of observation, faulting his equipment and other techniques. The trend of criticizing measurements and observations based on a general lack of understanding dramatically altered the perception of such scientific breakthroughs as Newton’s discovery of the law of universal gravitation, Darwin’s theory of evolution, Lemaître’s theory of what would come to be known as the Big Bang Theory, and the recent observation that the universe is expanding at an accelerated rate. Many discoveries, throughout recent centuries, have been trivialized because of the inability to decipher scientific methods and comprehend the far reaching implications that discoveries have made in modern society. The historical repeated reactions from the general public have set a trend that demands an examination into the importance of a stronger general science foundation within the education system than that of which is currently in place.
Science in Modern Society: A Lack of Understanding.
Advancements made in science during the 1600’s created an atmosphere of controversy that would resonate into modern day discoveries. Galileo’s discovery, in the 17th century, of sunspots contradicted the universally accepted perception that the sun was actually a celestial body, being flawless. Critics of Galileo's observations attacked his methods of observation, faulting his equipment and other techniques. The trend of criticizing measurements and observations based on a general lack of understanding dramatically altered the perception of such scientific breakthroughs as Newton’s discovery of the law of universal gravitation, Darwin’s theory of evolution, Lemaître’s theory of what would come to be known as the Big Bang Theory, and the recent observation that the universe is expanding at an accelerated rate. Many discoveries, throughout recent centuries, have been trivialized because of the inability to decipher scientific methods and comprehend the far reaching implications that discoveries have made in modern society. The historical repeated reactions from the general public have set a trend that demands an examination into the importance of a stronger general science foundation within the education system than that of which is currently in place.