Science Meets Real Life

Science Meets Real Life

Introduction

The twentieth century is undoubtedly considered as the century of “science and technology”. It is the century of scientific and technological revolutions that have entirely transformed human life. It is the century during which, courtesy scientific inventions, man has his hands caressing the stars, his feet landing on the moon, and his expertise and inquisitiveness exploring newer planets. We can ensure that in the decades of the following century will witness a more intense and rapid progress of science. This essay looks at the usability and effectiveness of science as it meets human life in various contexts, everyday. The first part deals with the application of scientific methods to real life problems in two scenarios while the second part discusses why we, as humans, cannot live without science. Overall, the essay will cover aspects on the use of science to the convenience and helpfulness of humans as they carry out their daily routines.

Part I: Scientific Method

Science is a systematically structured body of knowledge obtained by observing regular patterns of reasoning and experimentation in specific areas, of which generate questions, construct hypotheses, and principles are derived general laws and schemes developed methodically organized. Science uses different methods and techniques for acquiring and organizing knowledge about the structure of a set of facts sufficiently objective and accessible to many observers, not only based on a criterion of truth and a permanent correction (Latour, 1987). The application of these methods and knowledge leads to the generation of more objective knowledge in the form of concrete predictions, quantitative and verifiable observable facts concerning past, present and future. Often these predictions can be made by reasoning and structured as rules or general laws, which account for the behavior of a system and predict how that system will act in certain circumstances.

Scenario 1:

Scientific methods of investigation have been widely used in the discovery of knowledge in various academic and professional fields. Science involves many systematic processes of obtain knowledge that relies on five distinct steps in problem-solving (Scientific Methods, 2011). The application of scientific methods to everyday problems can be an effective way to solve them. These steps include:

To identify the problem in focus

Note possible observations/Investigations

Develop justifiable hypotheses

Conducting experiments

Drawing conclusions based on experiential results (Wallerstein, 2004)

In the given scenario, the individual experiences a “problem” with the putting off, of lights as he enters. Hence the first step of Problem Identification has already been resolved. The next probable response after problem identification is to make some sound observations like checking for other lights in the same house. This could reveal if the bulb was fused or there is a load-shed going on. If the other lights are off too, there is an electricity problem in the entire house. The individual then, has to check for the main switch of the house to see if the problem originates from there. These actions fulfill the course of the second step in the form of “Scientific Investigation” of the ...